Home Ownership Statistics As of Q4 2025, the U.S. homeownership rate
stands at approximately 65.7%. Roughly two-thirds of households own
their home, while the remainder rent. Despite high interest rates,
ownership has remained stable, though first-time buyer demand is low,
and the median buyer age has risen to 59.
Federal Reserve Economic Data | FRED | St. Louis Fed +3 Key National Home Ownership Statistics
Rate: 65.7% (Q4 2025), remaining relatively stable.
Trend: Ownership is higher than in 2013 (63.5%) but lower than the 2000 rate of 67.1%.
Mortgage-Free: 39.4% of owner-occupied homes are owned free and clear (2020-2024 data).
Market Drivers: Strong demographic shifts and wage growth have sustained demand despite high home prices.
Federal Reserve Economic Data | FRED | St. Louis Fed +4 Ownership by Demographic and Age
Median Buyer Age: The median age of home buyers in 2025 is 59 years old.
First-Time Buyers: The share of first-time buyers dropped to a low of 21%.
Age Breakdown:
Under 35: ~36-43%
35-44: ~60-62%
45-54: ~70-71%
55-64: ~75%
65 and over: ~80%
Racial/Ethnic Gap: Despite recent gains, the gap between Black and White homeownership remains around 28%.
National Association of REALTORS(r) +3 Regional and Local Data
Highest Ownership States: Generally, West Virginia, Iowa, and Idaho.
Lowest Ownership States: New York, California, and Hawaii have some of the lowest rates, driven by high costs of living.
Urban/Rural: Rural areas have higher rates of mortgage-free homeowners compared to urban areas.
Census.gov +3 Notable Trends
Impact of Rising Costs: First-time buyer shares have contracted by 50% since 2007.
Equity Gain: Delaying homeownership until age 40 can mean losing approximately $150,000 in equity.
Multigenerational Housing: 14% of buyers purchased a multi-generational home.
