In the US, young adults are now experiencing financial and familial milestones at a later age than they did forty years ago. Thus, the issue arises: What are the ideal ages to accomplish these milestones?
We polled 3,600 adults in the United States to find out when they believe it is ideal to marry, have a child, purchase a property, and retire. There is no perfect age to achieve these objectives, according to between one-third and half of Americans. A lot of people who believe in a "best age" think that marriage, having children, and purchasing a home should all take place between the ages of 25 and 34. In addition, 45 percent of Americans believe that one should retire in their 60s.
What age is ideal for marriage?
A little over half of Americans believe that there is no ideal age to marry, while almost a quarter believe that the ideal age range is 25 to 29. About 10% of respondents stated that the ideal age range for marriage is between 20 and 24 years old, while roughly the same percentage stated that the ideal age range is between 30 and 34. The average American thinks that the best age to get married is 26.5.
What age is ideal for a first child?
Four out of ten American individuals believe that there is no perfect age to have a first child. The next-highest percentage,which is about 28%, says that the best age range is from 25 to 29. Few people say it's best to have the first child before 20 or after 35.
The average American thinks that the best age to conceive a first child is 27.3. Additionally, the typical American woman gives birth for the first time at that age, which is 27.4, according to government statistics. Parents think it is better to have a first child at a little earlier age (26.9) than those without children (27.9).
But a large number of American adults are childless, and according to a 2024 Center study, nearly half of those under 50 who do not currently have children believe they never will.
When is the best age to buy a home?
However, many Americans wait until later in life to purchase a home, which is later than the ideal age, according to our poll participants. The median age of first-time homebuyers is 38. Additionally, 62% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 rent, according to a Center study of current Census Bureau statistics. Homeowners themselves suggest a little younger age (28.4) than those who rent (30.0).
What age is ideal for retirement?
While 26% of Americans believe that the best age range for retirement is 65 to 69, around one-third believe that there is no perfect age. The ideal age is between 60 and 64 years old, according to almost two out of ten people, while six percent think it is 70 or beyond. According to the typical American adult, 61.8 is the optimal age for retirement.
The ideal age is below the age at which Americans can normally start receiving full government retirement benefits, which varies per year of birth and ranges from 65 to 67. In 2023, 19% of Americans aged 65 and over were employed, which is consistent with the trend of Americans working past 65.