Three Forces Shaping The Future Of Housing

The 'Graying of America' and 'Browning of America' are two of the three forces that will shape the future of housing across the nation.

1 minute read

January 6, 2005, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Three powerful demographic forces will shape housing in the future, determining who will buy homes, where they'll buy them and what they will be like.

One demographic expert calls two of the trends the "Browning of America" and the "Graying of America." The third force will be the coming of age of the children of Baby Boomers born between 1977 and 1994 -- or Generation Y."...The graying of America will occur as the 78 million Baby Boomers age out of the labor market, propelling a boom in retirement housing.

Thanks to Housing Zone Email Newsletter

Wednesday, January 5, 2005 in Housing Zone

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.

1 hour ago - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

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

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

30 minutes ago - Inc.

View from back of woman and child walking on London street wearing warm clothes with a black cab visible in background.

Study: Large SUVs Double Risk of Death for Children Under 10

New research from the United Kingdom reveals the higher risk of larger vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists.

2 hours ago - The Standard

Housing construction in Austin, Texas

Texas Bills Aim to Tackle Housing Affordability

One proposed bill would raise the threshold for neighbor opposition to new development.

3 hours ago - The Texas Tribune

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.