U.S. Homeownership Rate Lowest Since 1965

A confluence of economic and demographic factors means fewer Americans own homes than at any time since 1965.

1 minute read

July 29, 2016, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Home For Sale Signs

caswell_tom / Flickr

"The U.S. homeownership rate fell to the lowest in more than 50 years as rising prices put buying out of reach for many renters," reports Prashant Gopal.

According to a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the share of Americans who own their homes has fallen to 62.9 percent, which, Gopal notes, is the lowest since 1965.

"The drop extends a years-long decline from the last housing boom, in part because of tight credit and a shift toward renting in the aftermath of the crash," adds Gopal for an explanation of the historic trends. The homeownership rate peaked as recently in June 2004, at 69.2 percent.

Thursday, July 28, 2016 in Bloomberg

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?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

View from back of classroom of elementary school children at desks with raised hands engaged in class.

Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs

Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.

December 9 - Shelterforce Magazine

Anchorage Public Transportation

Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen

After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.

December 9 - Anchorage Daily News

Tall mature green trees lining a concrete walkway next to a street with multistory apartment buildings on other side and sun filtering through the leaves.

Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges

Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.

December 9 - Cal Poly News