Complete 2026 data with rates for all 50 states, demographics, and trends
Homeownership remains a cornerstone of the American Dream, yet access to this wealth-building opportunity varies dramatically across states, demographics, and generations. Homeownership rates by state range from a high of 75.4% in West Virginia to a low of 54.8% in New York. As of the second quarter of 2024, the national homeownership rate sits at 65.6%, meaning roughly two-thirds of American households own their primary residence.
This figure represents a modest decline from the pandemic-era peak of 66.6% in 2020, when historically low mortgage rates and remote work flexibility drove a surge in home purchases. The current rate also remains well below the all-time high of 69% reached in 2004, just before the foreclosure crisis and Great Recession sent homeownership tumbling to a multi-decade low of 63.4% in 2016.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 146 million housing units exist in the United States as of late 2023, with around 131 million occupied. Homeowners account for 59.1% of all occupants, while renters make up 30.8%. The remaining units sit vacant, either available for sale or rent, or held off the market.
| Rank | State | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | 75.37% |
| 2 | Maine | 74.1% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 73.35% |
| 4 | Alabama | 73.32% |
| 5 | Delaware | 73.17% |
| 6 | Vermont | 72.45% |
| 7 | South Carolina | 71.97% |
| 8 | Michigan | 71.75% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 71.72% |
| 10 | Utah | 71.47% |
| Rank | State | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | New York | 54.75% |
| 50 | California | 55.62% |
| 49 | Hawaii | 59.45% |
| 48 | Rhode Island | 62.17% |
| 47 | Nevada | 62.45% |
| 46 | Massachusetts | 64.35% |
| 45 | Alaska | 64.45% |
| 44 | Texas | 64.75% |
| 43 | Oregon | 65.45% |
| 42 | Washington | 66.17% |
West Virginia is the state with the highest homeownership rate in the country, and it's not by accident. The state offers some of the most affordable housing in the nation, with average home prices well below the national median. Many residents have owned their property for decades, often inheriting homes through family generations. The state also has fewer large urban centers, where renting typically predominates. Delaware and New Hampshire follow close behind among states with the highest homeownership rates.
New York has the lowest rate of homeownership in the country, even lower than Washington D.C. This reflects the realities of New York City, where the majority of residents rent apartments in multifamily buildings. High housing costs, limited single-family housing inventory, and a culture that embraces renting all contribute. The percentage of owner-occupied housing units is higher upstate, but the sheer population of NYC pulls the statewide figure down dramatically. California, Hawaii, and Nevada also rank among states with the lowest homeownership rates.
| State | Abbr | Rate (2024) | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | AL | 73.32% | +7.7% |
| Alaska | AK | 64.45% | -1.1% |
| Arizona | AZ | 69.42% | +3.8% |
| Arkansas | AR | 67.6% | +2.0% |
| California | CA | 55.62% | -10.0% |
| Colorado | CO | 66.75% | +1.2% |
| Connecticut | CT | 69.47% | +3.9% |
| Delaware | DE | 73.17% | +7.6% |
| Florida | FL | 69.45% | +3.9% |
| Georgia | GA | 67.75% | +2.2% |
| Hawaii | HI | 59.45% | -6.1% |
| Idaho | ID | 71.17% | +5.6% |
| Illinois | IL | 68.17% | +2.6% |
| Indiana | IN | 70.52% | +4.9% |
| Iowa | IA | 71.35% | +5.8% |
| Kansas | KS | 67.47% | +1.9% |
| Kentucky | KY | 70.97% | +5.4% |
| Louisiana | LA | 69.12% | +3.5% |
| Maine | ME | 74.1% | +8.5% |
| Maryland | MD | 68.45% | +2.9% |
| Massachusetts | MA | 64.35% | -1.3% |
| Michigan | MI | 71.75% | +6.2% |
| Minnesota | MN | 70.92% | +5.3% |
| Mississippi | MS | 70.95% | +5.4% |
| Missouri | MO | 70.72% | +5.1% |
| Montana | MT | 69.17% | +3.6% |
| Nebraska | NE | 68.95% | +3.4% |
| Nevada | NV | 62.45% | -3.1% |
| New Hampshire | NH | 73.35% | +7.8% |
| New Jersey | NJ | 66.75% | +1.2% |
| New Mexico | NM | 67.72% | +2.1% |
| New York | NY | 54.75% | -10.8% |
| North Carolina | NC | 69.65% | +4.1% |
| North Dakota | ND | 67.7% | +2.1% |
| Ohio | OH | 69.77% | +4.2% |
| Oklahoma | OK | 68.45% | +2.9% |
| Oregon | OR | 65.45% | -0.1% |
| Pennsylvania | PA | 71.72% | +6.1% |
| Rhode Island | RI | 62.17% | -3.4% |
| South Carolina | SC | 71.97% | +6.4% |
| South Dakota | SD | 68.75% | +3.2% |
| Tennessee | TN | 68.95% | +3.4% |
| Texas | TX | 64.75% | -0.8% |
| Utah | UT | 71.47% | +5.9% |
| Vermont | VT | 72.45% | +6.9% |
| Virginia | VA | 69.72% | +4.1% |
| Washington | WA | 66.17% | +0.6% |
| West Virginia | WV | 75.37% | +9.8% |
| Wisconsin | WI | 70.02% | +4.4% |
| Wyoming | WY | 70.9% | +5.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Survey, Q3 2024
Homeownership patterns show distinct regional characteristics across the United States. Understanding these regional differences helps explain why some areas have thriving ownership markets while others remain predominantly renter-occupied.
States like Maine (74.1%), New Hampshire (73.4%), and Vermont (72.5%) show strong homeownership traditions. However, urbanized states like New York (54.8%) and Rhode Island (62.2%) lag significantly due to high-density rental housing. Washington D.C. also has a lower rate at around 42%.
The Midwest consistently outperforms. Michigan (71.8%), Minnesota (70.9%), and Iowa (71.4%) benefit from affordable housing markets, stable employment, and lower population density compared to coastal regions.
Southern states show mixed results. West Virginia (75.4%) and Alabama (73.3%) lead the nation, while Texas (64.8%) lags due to rapid population growth outpacing housing supply in major metros.
Coastal affordability challenges dominate the map. California (55.6%) and Hawaii (59.5%) have among the lowest rates, along with Washington state and Nevada. Utah (71.5%) and Idaho (71.2%) buck the trend with strong growth and relative affordability, achieving higher homeownership than many other Western states.
While the national homeownership rate provides a useful benchmark, the reality is far more nuanced when examined through demographic lenses. Age, race, gender, and generation all dramatically influence the likelihood of owning a home in America.
The age divide in homeownership is stark. Americans aged 65 and older have a homeownership rate of 79%, more than double the 38.6% rate for those under 35. This gap reflects several realities: older Americans have had more time to save for down payments, build credit, and accumulate equity. Many have also paid off their mortgages entirely.
The average age of first-time home buyers has risen to approximately 36 years old, up from historical norms in the late 20s. Student debt, rising home prices, and stricter lending standards since the 2008 financial crisis all contribute to delayed homeownership among younger generations.
The racial homeownership gap remains one of the most persistent inequities in American housing. At 72.3%, white Americans have the highest homeownership rate, followed by Asian Americans at 63.3%. Hispanic/Latino homeownership stands at 51.1%, while Black Americans have the lowest rate at just 44.1%.
The 28.2 percentage point gap between white and Black homeownership rates reflects decades of discriminatory policies including redlining, restrictive covenants, and unequal access to mortgage credit. While all racial groups have seen homeownership gains since 2016, the gap has narrowed only modestly.
According to NAR data, Black American homeownership rose by 1.6 percentage points between 2012 and 2022, representing nearly one million additional Black families achieving ownership. Hispanic homeownership saw stronger gains, rising 5.4 points during the same period. Asian American homeownership increased the most dramatically, jumping 6.1 percentage points.
Baby Boomers dominate homeownership, with 78.8% owning their primary residence as of 2023. Many Boomers purchased homes decades ago when prices were far more accessible relative to incomes, and a majority have since paid off their mortgages.
Gen X follows at 72%, representing a generation that benefited from relatively affordable housing in the 1990s and early 2000s, though many were hit hard by the 2008 housing crisis.
Millennial homeownership has improved significantly, reaching 54.8% in 2023, up from 52% in 2022. As the oldest millennials approach 45, more are finally achieving homeownership despite entering the market during a period of rapidly rising prices and student debt burdens.
Interestingly, Gen Z is outpacing millennials at the same age. Approximately 28% of 24-year-old Gen Zers are homeowners, compared to just 24.5% of millennials when they were 24. This suggests that despite current affordability challenges, the youngest generation may be prioritizing homeownership more aggressively.
| Year | Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 67.82% | - |
| 2009 | 67.37% | -0.45% |
| 2010 | 66.85% | -0.52% |
| 2011 | 66.15% | -0.70% |
| 2012 | 65.45% | -0.70% |
| 2013 | 65.12% | -0.33% |
| 2014 | 64.47% | -0.65% |
| 2015 | 63.65% | -0.82% |
| 2016 | 63.4% | -0.25% |
| 2017 | 63.85% | +0.45% |
| 2018 | 64.42% | +0.57% |
| 2019 | 64.55% | +0.13% |
| 2020 | 66.6% | +2.05% |
| 2021 | 65.47% | -1.13% |
| 2022 | 65.77% | +0.30% |
| 2023 | 65.9% | +0.13% |
| 2024 | 65.6% | -0.30% |
The percentage of homeowners who own their properties outright, without any mortgage, has risen steadily over the past decade. In 2010, about one-third of owner-occupied homes (32.78%) were mortgage-free. By 2022, that figure climbed to nearly 40% (39.28%).
Baby Boomers drive this trend. As the largest generation of homeowners ages, more have paid off their mortgages or inherited homes. Over half of Americans who own their homes free and clear are Boomers, reflecting both their longer homeownership tenure and the wealth accumulation that comes with time.
Housing type dramatically affects ownership rates. Single-family detached homes have an ownership rate of 86.1%, reflecting the traditional American preference for standalone houses with yards. Townhouses (attached single-family homes) have a 64.5% ownership rate.
Multifamily buildings tell a different story. In smaller condo buildings (2-19 units), only 14.3% of occupants own their units. In larger buildings (20-49 units), ownership drops to 12.6%, and in high-rises with 50+ units, it's just 13.4%. These figures reflect both the prevalence of rental apartments in multifamily structures and the different financial dynamics of condo ownership.
The data presented on this page comes from authoritative government and industry sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Primary sources include:
State-level homeownership rates represent median values calculated from quarterly Census Bureau data. National demographic breakdowns use the most recent full-year data available. All rates are non-seasonally adjusted unless otherwise noted.
Last updated: February 2026
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