Biggest US Housing Gains in Southern and Western States

Nationwide increases in housing stock since 2020 mirror post-pandemic moving patterns, with six states in the West and South accounting for half of new units.

2 minute read

May 20, 2024, 6:00 AM PDT

By Mary Hammon @marykhammon


View from above of wood-frame multifamily housing under construction next to green trees.

Bobby / Adobe Stock

“The United States has added almost 5 million housing units since 2020, most heavily in the South and most of them single-family homes, making a housing shortage look conquerable in much of the nation,” reports Tim Henderson for Stateline. According to Stateline analysis of Census Bureau data, six states account for 50 percent of the increase: Texas, Florida, California, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Last year alone produced the most housing units since 2007. 

Henderson notes that the pattern mirrors post-pandemic moving patterns but points out that experts say another 2 to 2.5 million units, mostly single-family homes, are needed. The US has added 1.6 million new units annually for the past two years, according to the Census Bureau data, and that pace is expected to continue. 

However, while increased stock may mean cost increases could slow or stabilize, it doesn’t necessarily mean housing prices will come down, as high interest rates continue to hurt potential homebuyers and inflation drives up the cost of building materials and labor. “The Federal National Mortgage Association, known as Fannie Mae, reported last year that the typical homebuyer paid 35% of their income in mortgage payments in October, the highest since at least 2000,” writes Henderson.

States with affected by poverty and low population growth —  including Rhode Island, Illinois, West Virginia, Connecticut, Alaska and New Jersey — saw the slowest housing growth, according to Stateline analysis of Census Bureau data.

Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Stateline

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Affordable housing

Commentary: How Can We Solve America’s Affordable Housing Crisis? CDFIs are the Key

As financial institutions whose mission is to support underserved communities, community development financial institutions can be key partners to ensure public-private efforts to build affordable housing pencil out.

October 31, 2024 - Bernel Hall

Downtown Denver as seen from behind Union Station roof sign.

Denver Voters Approve Downtown Revitalization Bonds

The city wants to bring new projects and residents to the downtown core, where 13 million feet of vacant office and retail space await new tenants.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

View of multistory buildings under construction in downtown Seattle, Washington with Space Needle and Mount Rainier in background.

Seattle Has No Plans to Ditch Parking Requirements

An update to the city’s comprehensive plan will reduce, but not fully eliminate, parking mandates for housing developments.

4 hours ago - The Urbanist

Bears Ears National Monument

Future of Public Lands Looks Litigious Under Trump

Experts say monuments and “unappropriated” federal lands will likely be the target for expanded drilling, mining, and other development under a new Trump administration.

5 hours ago - Bloomberg