Family life is changing. Two-parent married households are on the decline in the United States, as divorce, remarriage, and cohabitation are on the rise. As a result, there will be growing housing demand from these non-traditional households.

More than one-in-five Americans live in a multi-generational household — a share that has increased in recent years, partially due to financial need and an aging population. A multi-generational household gives families greater flexibility to cope with changing health needs, affordability pressures, and childcare needs.

Incomes are rising in the U.S., but the increase is not being felt equally by all Americans. Beginning in the 1970s, the income gap began widening in the nation, with the top five percent of households by income experiencing the most real income growth. With fewer Americans able to grow or maintain wealth, more are turning to lower cost retail providers.

While participation varies by gender, the overall labor force participation rate has been declining steadily since 2000, partially due to the aging and retirement of the baby boom generation. Other common reasons for not participating in the labor force may be due to an illness or disability, or need to care for a family member.

The nation is growing older, largely driven by the large population of aging baby boomers. The aging of the population will increase demand for healthcare, in-home caregiving and assisted living facilities. Since most people earn and spend less during retirement, an aging population could also mean reduced government revenue, particularly from sales taxes and income taxes.