How many real estate agents are in the US? There are 532,200 real estate agents and brokers in the United States as of 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number dropped sharply from over 1.6 million NAR members in 2022.
These 101 real estate agent statistics cover everything from agent income and demographics to home sales trends and market data. Whether you’re a real estate professional benchmarking your performance, a researcher analyzing industry trends, or a homebuyer navigating the market, this data paints a complete picture of the real estate landscape in 2026.
All statistics are sourced from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Census Bureau, and other authoritative sources.
Last Updated: February 2026
| Metric | 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| Total Licensed Real Estate Agents & Brokers | 532,200 |
| Median Agent Income | $55,800 |
| Median Home Price (Average Home Price) | $415,200 |
| First-Time Buyer Share | 24% |
| Homes Sold (Annual) | 4.35 million |
| Agent Using Social Media | 77% |
| Buyers Using Agent | 88% |
| Referral Business Average | 50% |
The number of real estate agents in the United States has changed dramatically over the past few years. Here is how the total count has shifted.
| Year | NAR Membership | BLS Employed Agents & Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,596,756 | 548,100 |
| 2023 | 1,545,494 | 538,400 |
| 2024 | 1,515,837 | 532,200 |
| 2025 | ~1,480,000 (est.) | Pending |
As of 2026, there are 532,200 real estate brokers and sales agents employed in the US according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. NAR membership stood at approximately 1.5 million at the start of 2025, continuing a downward trend from the 2022 peak.
The decline reflects tighter market conditions, lower transaction volumes, and the post-pandemic normalization of the industry. Many part-time agents left the profession as home sales slowed from the 2021 frenzy.
The number of licensed real estate agents varies widely by state. Here are the states with the most active licensees.
| Rank | State | Active Licensees (Est.) | % of National Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | 218,000+ | ~14.5% |
| 2 | California | 195,000+ | ~13.0% |
| 3 | Texas | 160,000+ | ~10.7% |
| 4 | New York | 82,000+ | ~5.5% |
| 5 | North Carolina | 72,000+ | ~4.8% |
| 6 | Georgia | 68,000+ | ~4.5% |
| 7 | Virginia | 62,000+ | ~4.1% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 55,000+ | ~3.7% |
| 9 | Ohio | 48,000+ | ~3.2% |
| 10 | Arizona | 46,000+ | ~3.1% |
| 11 | Illinois | 45,000+ | ~3.0% |
| 12 | Michigan | 44,000+ | ~2.9% |
| 13 | Colorado | 42,000+ | ~2.8% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 40,000+ | ~2.7% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 38,000+ | ~2.5% |
Sources: State real estate commissions, NAR state associations (2024-2025 estimates)
Florida leads the nation with over 218,000 active licensees. The Sunshine State’s large retiree population, tourism-driven market, and relatively low licensing barriers attract agents nationwide. California follows closely. Together, the top five states account for nearly half of all licensed agents.
Understanding who real estate agents are helps contextualize real estate industry trends and market dynamics. Many real estate agents work independently across the United States. Demographics vary significantly by metro area, with coastal markets showing different agent profiles than interior regions.
There are 532,200 real estate brokers and sales agents working in the United States as of 2024.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learn more about the differences in our guide to real estate broker vs. agent.
Source: 2024 NAR Member Profile
65% of all REALTORS® are female, making real estate one of the more gender-balanced sales professions. Among millennials entering the field, this distribution is even more pronounced.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
The median age of all REALTORS® is 55 years old. The typical REALTOR® is described as a 55-year-old white female who attended college and is a homeowner. However, as baby boomers exit the profession and retire, younger agents are entering the market. The baby boomers generation continues to significantly impact both the agent demographic landscape and the home seller market.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
There are over 360,000 real estate businesses and brokerage firms operating in the United States.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau - Real Estate and Rental and Leasing: Summary Statistics 2022
Source: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics 2024
54% of real estate brokers and 54% of sales agents are self-employed workers.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Real estate agent income varies significantly based on experience, location, market conditions, and the real estate commission structure. The median sales price and average home value in a market directly impact agent earnings, with real estate commission typically ranging from 5-6% of the sale price.
The median gross income of REALTORS®, income earned from real estate activities, was $55,800 in 2023, a decrease from $56,400 in 2022.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
The median annual wage for real estate brokers was $72,280 in May 2024.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $56,320 in May 2024.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Source: BLS Wage Statistics 2024
Source: BLS Wage Statistics 2024
The combined median hourly wage for real estate brokers and sales agents is $28.35 per hour.
Source: BLS 2024
About 50% of transactions come from referral sources, including past clients, friends or family, and professional networks, highlighting the importance of relationship management. Commercial real estate agents typically handle fewer but larger transactions than residential agents. Agent commissions vary significantly, with real estate commission structures ranging from 5-6% split between buyer and seller agents in residential transactions, while commercial real estate typically involves different commission arrangements.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024 and National Association of Real Estate Brokers
Experience levels and career longevity provide insight into industry stability and professional development.
The median real estate experience for all REALTORS® is 10 years.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
73% of REALTORS® are very certain they will remain active as a real estate professional for the next two years.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
The median tenure at present firm for all REALTORS® is 5 years.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Most REALTORS® worked 35 hours per week in 2023.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Most real estate brokers and sales agents work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules may vary and often include evenings and weekends to accommodate clients’ schedules.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Educational background and professional development requirements for real estate professionals.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
The typical entry-level education for real estate brokers and sales agents is a high school diploma or equivalent. Many real estate professionals pursue higher education to enhance their skills.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Every state requires real estate brokers and agents to be licensed. All licensed agents in every state must meet specific requirements. States typically require:
The real estate licensing exam typically covers contract law, property ownership, real estate commission structures, and ethical practices.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
For a broker’s license, states typically require that candidates have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed sales agent and complete additional formal training.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
State licenses typically must be renewed every 2 to 4 years. In most states, brokers and agents must complete continuing education courses to renew their license.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How real estate agents leverage technology and digital tools in their business.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Agents track key indicators including pending home sales data to gauge market health.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Of members that use drones in their real estate business or office:
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Current data on the U.S. housing market and home sales trends.
4,090,000 existing homes were sold in 2023, according to real estate data from the National Association of REALTORS®. Sales of existing homes represent the majority of real estate transactions in the United States.
Source: NAR Existing Home Sales
Existing home sales reached an annualized rate of 4.35 million in December 2025, representing a 5.1% increase from the previous month. The market for existing homes remains robust compared to new construction.
Source: NAR Existing Home Sales December 2025
Sales of new single-family houses were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 619,000 as of mid-2024.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The median sales price of existing homes is $415,200 as of September 2025. Prices vary widely by city. Use our housing market comparison tool to see how two cities stack up side by side.
Source: NAR Existing Home Sales Housing Snapshot
The median sales price is up 2.1% year-over-year.
Source: NAR October 2025
The median sales price of single-family homes is $408,000, up 2.9% from the prior year.
Source: NAR March 2025 Data
Current inventory stands at approximately 4.6 months of supply, up 0.4 months from the prior year.
Source: NAR Housing Snapshot September 2025
The typical home sold was on the market for 3 weeks.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Recent sellers typically sold their homes for 100% of the listing price.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
21% of sellers reported reducing the asking price at least once.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Comprehensive data on homebuyer demographics, behavior, and preferences.
First-time buyers accounted for 24% of all home purchases. Explore available assistance in our first-time home buyer programs guide.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The median age of first-time home buyers is 38 years old, up from 35 the previous year.
Source: NAR 2024
The median age of repeat buyers is 61 years old, up from 58 the previous year.
Source: NAR 2024
Repeat buyers have the highest median age (62) seen in the report’s history.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The median household income of first-time buyers is $97,000.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The median household income of repeat buyers is $114,300.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The typical home purchased was 1,900 square feet, built in 1994, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The average home value varies significantly by region, with affordability statistics showing major differences across markets.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Among those who financed their home purchase, buyers typically financed 74% of the home price. Current mortgage rate environments significantly impact buyer affordability and purchasing power.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The typical down payment for first-time buyers was 10%, matching the highest share recorded since 1989.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Repeat buyers made a median down payment of 23%, the highest since 2003.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
30% of repeat buyers paid cash and did not finance their home.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
88% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker.
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Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
88% of buyers would use their agent again or recommend their agent to others.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Many buyers rely on friends or family for referrals to qualified agents in today’s real estate market.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
19% of repeat buyers purchased to be closer to friends and family.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Data on home seller behavior, motivations, and market dynamics. Understanding what motivates each home seller and tracking comprehensive home seller statistics helps agents provide better service whether a client wants to sell a home quickly or maximize their return. Professional agents who understand the home seller perspective can better navigate buying or selling transactions. For 80+ additional data points, see our dedicated home selling statistics resource.
The typical home seller in 2024 was 63 years of age. Understanding what motivates a home seller helps agents provide better service.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The typical home seller had a median household income of $112,500. Understanding what drives a home seller to list their property helps agents serve clients better.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The typical seller lived in their home for 10 years before selling. Agents who help a buyer or seller understand market timing can maximize value for both parties through strategic buying or selling decisions. Baby boomers represent a significant portion of home sellers as they downsize or relocate.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Home sellers have owned their home for an all-time high of 11 years before selling and making a housing trade (2024 data).
Source: NAR Research 2024
90% of sellers were assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home. Professional agents help sellers navigate complex market conditions and sell a home for optimal value. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to sell a house.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Understanding how to sell a home successfully often depends on finding the right agent, with friends or family referrals being the most common source.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
72% of sellers would definitely use the same agent again. Agent satisfaction correlates strongly with whether they helped sell a home quickly and at the right price while maintaining clear communication throughout the process.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
For Sale By Owner data reveals important market dynamics.
FSBOs accounted for 6% of home sales in 2024.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
The typical FSBO home sold for $380,000 compared to $435,000 for agent-assisted home sales, a median sales price difference of $55,000 (14.5% less).
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Housing market statistics broken down by region and property type, including existing homes sales and pending home sales indicators.
There are approximately 125.7 million occupied housing units in the United States, with existing homes representing the vast majority of inventory.
Source: 2022 American Community Survey
In 2022, 66.1% of families owned their primary residence.
Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2022
There are 5.9 million commercial buildings in the United States, comprising 97.0 billion square feet of floor space.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration CBECS
NAR calculates median home values for 3,110 counties and county-equivalents.
Source: NAR Research and Statistics
NAR divides the U.S. into four regions for existing home sales analysis:
Source: NAR Housing Statistics
Condominium sales were down 5.0% compared to a year ago.
Source: NAR March 2025 Data
Single-family home sales were down 2.2% compared to a year ago.
Source: NAR March 2025 Data
The real estate profession offers unique career growth paths. Understanding the employment landscape helps both aspiring and current agents plan their careers.
An estimated 87% of new real estate agents fail within five years of entering the profession. Common reasons include:
Agents who survive the first two years see significantly higher income potential. Those with 16+ years of experience earn a median income exceeding $85,000.
Real estate professionals can advance their careers in several ways.
Sales Agent → Broker: After gaining 2-4 years of experience and completing additional coursework, agents can earn a broker license. Brokers earn a median of $72,280 vs. $56,320 for agents.
Individual Agent → Team Leader: Experienced agents often build teams, earning override commissions on team member transactions in addition to their personal sales.
Residential → Commercial: Some agents transition to commercial real estate. Commercial agents handle fewer transactions but earn higher per-deal commissions.
Agent → Brokerage Owner: Entrepreneurial agents may open their own brokerages. There are over 360,000 real estate businesses in the US.
States projected to add the most real estate jobs through 2034 include those with high population growth.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Census Bureau population estimates
Job market projections for real estate professionals.
Overall employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
An additional 16,500 real estate broker and sales agent jobs are projected to be added between 2024 and 2034.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
About 46,300 openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Many openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
The largest employers of real estate brokers:
Source: BLS 2024
The largest employers of real estate sales agents:
Source: BLS 2024
Median annual wages for real estate sales agents by industry (May 2024):
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
How real estate agents structure their businesses and compensation.
88% of REALTORS® are independent contractors.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
5% of REALTORS® are employees of their brokerage.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
8% of REALTORS® have other affiliation arrangements with their firms.
Source: NAR Member Profile 2024
Brokers and sales agents earn most of their income from commissions on sales. The real estate commission varies by the type of property and its value. Understanding real estate commission helps both agents and clients set appropriate expectations. See our complete breakdown of real estate commission by state for current rates.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Commissions are often divided among the buying agent, selling agent, brokers, and firms.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
An agent’s income often depends on economic conditions, the agent’s individual motivation, and the types of property available. Earnings may be irregular, especially for beginners.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
What makes real estate professionals successful.
Real estate professionals must be able to manage every aspect of their business, including billing and advertising.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Agents must be pleasant, respectful, and dependable as they spend much of their time interacting with clients and contractors.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Agents must be able to manage their own time for planning and prioritizing their work.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Agents must be able to address concerns relating to a property and mediate negotiations between buyers and sellers.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Because they often have little or no supervision, real estate professionals must be able to work independently.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Supplementary statistics that provide market context.
NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos, and co-ops.
Source: NAR Research
The national housing shortage is estimated at 2.8 to 4 million units.
Source: Multiple industry analyses
Combined with mortgage rates around 6.4% instead of the 3-4% seen in recent years, monthly payments have significantly increased.
Source: Industry analysis
26% of first-time buyers raid 401(k)s and IRAs for down payments.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
22% of first-time buyers depend on family gifts or loans for down payments.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Approximately 15% of contracts are canceling in the current market.
Source: Industry reports
Median home prices climbed from $260,000 pre-pandemic to $420,000 today, a 60% appreciation.
Source: Industry analysis of NAR data
Income usually increases as agents become more experienced at sales.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Convenience to one’s job has declined from 52% in 2014 to 31% as a neighborhood factor, as return-to-work orders have become more common between 2024 and 2025.
Source: NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
Copy these formatted statistics for your articles, presentations, or social media:
Agent Demographics:
“The typical REALTOR® is a 55-year-old female with 10 years of experience who works 35 hours per week and earns a median income of $55,800.”, NAR Member Profile 2024
Buyer Behavior:
“88% of home buyers purchased through a real estate agent, and 88% would use their agent again or recommend them to others.”, NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2024
FSBO Reality:
“FSBO homes sold for $380,000 on average vs. $435,000 for agent-assisted sales, a 14.5% difference.”, NAR 2024
Market Trends:
“The median age of first-time homebuyers reached 38 years old, while repeat buyers hit an all-time high median age of 62.”, NAR 2024
When referencing this data, please use the following citation:
RealEstateAgentNearMe.com. (2026, January 27). 101 Real Estate Agent Statistics for 2026: The Complete Industry Data Report. https://realestateagentnearme.com/blog/real-estate-agent-statistics-2026-comprehensive-industry-data
“101 Real Estate Agent Statistics for 2026: The Complete Industry Data Report.” RealEstateAgentNearMe.com, 27 Jan. 2026, realestateagentnearme.com/blog/real-estate-agent-statistics-2026-comprehensive-industry-data.
RealEstateAgentNearMe.com. “101 Real Estate Agent Statistics for 2026: The Complete Industry Data Report.” Last modified January 27, 2026. https://realestateagentnearme.com/blog/real-estate-agent-statistics-2026-comprehensive-industry-data.
This report compiles data from the following authoritative sources:
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
U.S. Census Bureau
Federal Reserve
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Redfin
There are approximately 532,200 licensed real estate agents and brokers in the United States as of 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This number has declined from a peak of over 1.6 million NAR members in 2022.
The median annual income for real estate agents in 2026 is $55,800. However, income varies significantly by experience level. Agents with 16+ years of experience earn a median of $85,000 or more, while agents in their first two years earn closer to $15,000.
Approximately 88% of home buyers work with a real estate agent or broker when purchasing a home. This percentage has remained relatively stable over the past decade despite the growth of online listing platforms.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% job growth for real estate agents through 2032. While the barrier to entry is relatively low, success requires dedication. Approximately 87% of new agents fail within five years. Top-performing agents who treat it as a full-time career can earn well above the median income.
The median home price in the United States is approximately $415,200 as of early 2026. This varies dramatically by region, with coastal metropolitan areas significantly exceeding the national median.
This resource is updated quarterly. Last review: February 2026. For corrections or additional data requests, please contact us.
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Richard Kastl has been a real estate investor since 2018 and is an entrepreneur with expertise as a web developer, digital marketer, copywriter, conversion optimizer, AI enthusiast, and overall talent stacker. He combines his technical skills with real estate knowledge to provide valuable insights and help people make informed decisions in their property journey.
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