The Shifting Demographics of Homeownership

Hispanics are the only racial group projected to increase their rate of homeownership over the next two decades, according to a new analysis.

2 minute read

January 26, 2021, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Suburban Home

TBaker770 / Shutterstock

R.A. Schuetz shares news of a new study from the Urban Institute that anticipates the growth of homeownership rates among Hispanic Americans. The report presents the trend as a reflection of the lingering impacts of the Great Recession.

"Between 2020 and 2040, there will be 6.9 million net new homeowner households, a 9 percent increase," writes Laurie Goodman to share the report's findings on the Urban Institute website. "Hispanic homeowners will grow by 4.8 million, homeowners of other races (mostly Asian homeowners) will grow by 2.7 million, and Black homeowners will grow by 1.2 million. The total number of white homeowners will decline by 1.8 million."

New homeownership among Black Americans will not keep pace with the increasing number of Black renters, however. "If current policies stay the same, the Black homeownership rate will fall well below the rate of previous generations at the same age and result in an unprecedented number of Black renters over 65; we project elderly Black renters will more than double from 1.3 million in 2020 to 2.6 million in 2040," writes Goodman.

Schuetz cites the experience of a real estate in Houston as evidence that more Hispanic residents are buying houses.  

The report suggests that the shifting geography and demographics of homeownership will require new approaches to mortgage qualification. Two challenges in potential hinder BIPOC homeowners, according to Schuetz: "Workers who are self-employed or participate in the gig economy have a difficult time proving their income to the satisfaction of lenders, and it is difficult to count multigenerational households or roommates if they are not all on the mortgage…"

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 in Houston Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

May 2, 2025 - SD News

Close-up of carved United States Court House sign with eagle seal above a doorway.

Judge Halts New Conditions for HUD, Transportation Grants

The Trump administration attempted to impose new restrictions on federal grants aimed at eliminating DEI programs and aligning with the administration’s immigration policy.

6 seconds ago - The Hill

Electric vehicle charging station with white cars plugged in

States File Lawsuit Over EV Charging Funds

A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over its suspension of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

1 hour ago - The New York Times

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.