Increasing number of young adults aged 20 to 24 are choosing to stay and live in their family home with their parents, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies. 

In the most recent data, 43 per cent of 20 to 24-year-olds were still living with their parents in 2016, showing a significant increase from 36 per cent in 1981. 

In addition, between 1981 and 2016, the figures also jumped for 25 to 29-year-olds from 10 per cent to 17 per cent and for 30 to 35-year-olds from 4 per cent to 7 per cent. 

"Overall, young people living in capital cities were more likely than those living in regional areas to remain at home," Institute director Anne Hollonds said. 

"A range of factors, including the cost of housing in capital cities and time spent in higher education, have contributed to a growing trend for more young people to delay moving out in recent decades."

In 2016, it was found that 50 per cent of young men and 43 per cent of young women aged 20 to 24 continued to live at home in capital cities compared to 42 per cent of young men and 31 per cent of young women in regional areas. 

Moreover, it found that men are more likely to live at home. 47 per cent of men aged 20 to 24 were living in their family home in 2016, compared to 39 per cent of young women in the same age group. However, the proportion of young women choosing to live at home is rising at a faster rate. 

Further, cultural background influenced the likelihood of young people living with their parents.  

"Among young adults born in Australia, those with Asian, Middle Eastern, African or Southern and Eastern European ancestry are more likely to live with their parents, compared to those with Australian, Northwestern European or New Zealand backgrounds," researcher Lixia Qu said.

“Among young adults born overseas, the numbers living with their parents fell between 2001 and 2011, particularly those in the 20–24 year-old age group. This trend reflects booming international education in Australia and greater numbers of unaccompanied international students living here,” Ms Qu added.