The statistics tell a compelling story. Nationwide, there were approximately 20.9 million empty nest households in 2022, representing a modest increase from 20.2 million in 2017. These empty nesters – defined as homeowners aged 55 and older living with no children, having at least two extra bedrooms, and residing in their homes for at least a decade – could revolutionize housing affordability through home-sharing programs.
Pittsburgh leads the nation with 22% of households classified as empty nests, followed by Buffalo (20%), Cleveland (20%), Detroit (19%), St. Louis (19%), and New Orleans (18%). These markets present unique opportunities for innovative roommate matching programs that could benefit both seniors seeking affordable independent senior living solutions and younger residents looking for housing.
The numbers are particularly promising when considering the potential for roommate arrangements. Empty nest households outnumber families needing housing by 2.6 times – with 20.9 million empty nest households compared to 8.1 million families living with non-relatives seeking their own space. This surplus has grown steadily, with empty nest households increasing by 703,892 between 2017 and 2022.
While cities like Austin (10% empty nesters), Las Vegas (10%), Los Angeles (11%), Riverside (11%), and Miami (12%) have fewer empty nest households, the concentration of available spaces in more affordable markets presents unique opportunities. Cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland, with their larger empty nester populations, could pioneer innovative home-sharing programs that benefit both seniors and younger residents.
The home-sharing movement offers a win-win solution for empty nesters and those seeking affordable housing. For seniors, taking on a roommate can:
Young professionals tend to cluster in different areas than empty nesters. The highest concentrations of under-44 households are found in:
Meanwhile, recent Gen Z and Millennial movers have favored:
While home-sharing and empty nester participation won't single-handedly solve the housing crisis, particularly in high-demand coastal markets, it represents an important piece of the affordable housing puzzle. Cities like Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Cleveland could lead the way in developing innovative home-sharing programs that benefit both empty-nesters seeking affordable independent senior living solutions and younger residents looking for housing options.
This approach, combined with other initiatives like credit assistance programs, down payment assistance, and help with closing costs, could create meaningful pathways to affordable housing while providing empty nesters with valuable companionship and financial benefits through roommate arrangements.
As we look to solve housing affordability challenges across American cities, home-sharing programs represent an innovative approach worth exploring, particularly in markets where these demographics are most concentrated.