After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Nathan Halberstadt took a job at the Boston Consulting Group, a common choice for students from top schools. However, he quickly became disillusioned with the reality of consulting work. Halberstadt described his role as one that involved promoting questionable practices, such as the optimization of opioid sales and advancing agendas that he felt harmed America. Frustrated, he left the firm to focus on uncovering important statistics that genuinely matter.
Recently, Halberstadt published a striking chart that has gained significant attention, even being cited by some members of Congress. The chart illustrates the steep decline in the percentage of 30-year-olds who are both married and homeowners, showing a drop from over 50% in the 1950s to around 15% in 2025. This dramatic shift highlights a major change in American life, raising questions about the underlying causes.
Many are wondering why this data has not been more widely discussed. While figures about the economy and job market are frequently analyzed, the decline in marriage and homeownership among young people has largely gone unnoticed. Halberstadt’s work sheds light on a troubling trend that many have sensed but not fully understood.
The data he compiled comes from reliable sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, which tracks marriage ages and homeownership rates. Despite the availability of this information, it has not been a focal point in political discussions. The importance of young people marrying and owning homes by age 30 should be a priority for lawmakers, yet it remains largely ignored.
In a surprising turn, Senators Elizabeth Warren and John Kennedy have teamed up to introduce the “Build Now Act,” legislation aimed at increasing affordable housing. This bill would penalize states that do not build enough housing while rewarding those that do. Both senators recognize the urgent need for more homes, especially as the median age for first-time homebuyers has risen to 38.
While building more homes is generally a positive step, there are concerns about the effectiveness of government intervention. Critics argue that past attempts to manipulate housing markets have led to unwanted outcomes. The challenge remains to ensure that new housing meets the needs of families rather than just adding to rental units.
The data also reveals something noteworthy: the decline in marriage rates has been more significant than the drop in homeownership. Today, about 50% of 30-year-olds are married, compared to nearly 90% in the 1950s. This cultural shift may be influencing young people’s decisions about homeownership. For many singles, buying a home may not seem practical or necessary.
Halberstadt’s findings highlight a critical issue: millions of young adults lack a stake in the future of their country. Marriage, family, and homeownership are cornerstones of the American dream. The stark contrast between past and present trends raises alarms about the direction society is heading.
Overall, the data suggests that addressing these issues is crucial if we want to foster a thriving society. As more young people delay or forgo these milestones, the implications for the future become increasingly concerning.
