Horowitz: Famous American Mobility On The Wane
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
But particularly among younger Americans, the so-called millennial generation, mobility is on the wane. In 2016, “the percentage of Americans moving over a one year period fell to an all-time low of 11.2 %,” according to a recent US Census Report. This is mainly because younger adults are “staying put,” states a Pew Research Center analysis of the Census data.
Today’s 25- to-35-year-olds are far less mobile than previous generations were at the same age. According to Pew, only 20% of today’s younger adults lived at a different address one year earlier as compared with 26% for members of the Silent Generation and Generation X. and 27% for late Baby Boomers.
This reduced mobility is even more striking when you consider that a far lower percentage of the millennial generation are married, have children or own a home than previous generations of younger adults. These factors all usually limit mobility.
Pew speculates that financial pressures, including student loan dept, may be one factor in discouraging moving. Additionally, due to the fitful economic recovery since the Great Recession, up there may have been less prime job opportunities available for those willing to move.
On a more optimistic note, this is a generation that values community and tends to have close relationships with parents and family members. Generally speaking, millennials may be putting home, family, and community ahead of restless ambition and adventure-seeking.
If this trend continues, it is bound to have significant consequences. Some economists already are arguing that it is one-factor limiting economic growth. But it may also result in closer extended families and a greater sense of place and belonging.
Only time will tell.
Rob Horowitz is a strategic and communications consultant who provides general consulting, public relations, direct mail services and polling for national and state issue organizations, various non-profits and elected officials and candidates. He is an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island
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