The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of life in the United States, reshaping family dynamics, education, housing, and community trends. According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, fewer grandparents are living with and taking care of grandchildren than in previous years. This decline reflects broader societal shifts influenced by the pandemic, a stronger economy, and changing public health trends.
These insights, drawn from the American Community Survey (ACS), compare the periods of 2014-2018 and 2019-2023. Let’s explore what this means for families, children, and communities across the country.
Fewer Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
One of the most notable trends in the report is the decline in grandparents living with and caring for their grandchildren. The number fell from 7.2 million to 6.8 million over the study period.
While this decrease might sound like good news, it highlights complex issues. Historically, grandparents step into caregiving roles when families face challenges such as:
- Substance Abuse: The opioid epidemic has been a leading cause of grandparents raising grandchildren. However, a decline in opioid-related deaths may have contributed to the reduction in these caregiving arrangements.
- Incarceration: Fewer women being incarcerated has likely played a role, as many grandparents take on caregiving responsibilities when parents are incarcerated.
- Economic Pressures: In recent years, a stronger economy may have allowed more families to maintain stable housing, reducing the need for multigenerational living arrangements.
Susan Kelley, professor emerita of nursing at Georgia State University, notes, “It’s rarely for positive reasons that grandparents take on this role. Often, it’s due to tragic circumstances such as a death, incarceration, or mental health issues connected to substance abuse. While many grandparents thrive in their caregiving roles, it comes with significant emotional and financial burdens.”
The Pandemic’s Impact on Early Childhood Education
The ACS data also shows a decline in preschool enrollment for young children. Many parents were reluctant to send their children to school during the pandemic, and widespread school closures exacerbated the issue.
The Census Bureau notes, “These data show how the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on patterns of early childhood education. Future research will determine if this marks the beginning of a long-term trend or if enrollment levels will return to pre-pandemic norms.”
Early childhood education is crucial for a child’s social and cognitive development. The long-term effects of this decline may include gaps in learning, increased childcare burdens on families, and challenges for schools trying to re-engage young learners.
Aging Population and Technology Adoption
As the nation’s population continues to age, the share of senior citizens (65 and older) has risen to 16.8%, up from 15.2%. The median age also increased to 38.7 years, reflecting a gradual shift toward an older demographic.
Interestingly, older Americans are becoming more tech-savvy. The share of households with computers climbed to 95%, and broadband connections increased to 90%, up from 80% in the earlier period. This shift suggests that seniors are becoming more digitally connected, a trend likely accelerated by the pandemic as families turned to video calls, online shopping, and telemedicine.
Fewer People Are Moving
Another significant change is the decline in Americans relocating. Rising home values and limited housing availability have led many people to stay put.
- Home Values: Nationwide, the median home value jumped from $249,400 to $303,400, an increase of 21.7%.
- Vacancy Rates: The percentage of vacant homes dropped from 12.2% to 10.4%, reflecting tighter housing markets.
In affluent vacation destinations, the rise in home values was even more dramatic. For example:
- Aspen, Colorado: Median home values surged from $758,800 to $1.1 million.
- Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: Median home values jumped from $812,400 to $1.1 million.
This trend of staying put reflects not only economic pressures but also the impact of the pandemic, which encouraged many people to focus on home improvements and community ties rather than relocating.
What It All Means
The new data from the ACS paints a vivid picture of how life in America has changed over the past decade, with the pandemic acting as a significant turning point.
- Family Dynamics Are Evolving
While fewer grandparents are raising grandchildren, this doesn’t necessarily mean families are more stable. The decline likely reflects shifts in public health and economic conditions, but challenges like substance abuse and incarceration still impact many families. - Education Faces Long-Term Challenges
The decline in preschool enrollment underscores the ripple effects of the pandemic. It’s crucial for policymakers and educators to focus on re-engaging young learners and supporting families with affordable childcare options. - Seniors Are Adapting to Modern Life
As the population ages, seniors are embracing technology, which helps them stay connected and independent. However, the growing percentage of older adults also highlights the need for robust healthcare and social services. - Housing Markets Remain Tight
Rising home values and lower vacancy rates reflect a housing crunch that affects people of all ages. For seniors on fixed incomes, this can make downsizing or relocating even more challenging.
Moving Forward
The data is clear: the pandemic reshaped many aspects of American life, from family caregiving to education and housing. These changes present both challenges and opportunities. By understanding these trends, we can work toward solutions that support families, seniors, and communities.
Whether it’s advocating for better support for grandparents, ensuring access to early education, or addressing housing affordability, there’s much we can do to help create a more resilient and equitable society.
