Owner-Occupied Housing (Homeownership Rate)
Definition
The percentage of occupied housing units that are owned by the residents (as opposed to rented). The national homeownership rate has fluctuated between 63% and 69% over the past several decades.
Why It Matters
Homeownership is the primary wealth-building mechanism for most American families. Higher homeownership rates are associated with community stability, civic engagement, and better school outcomes.
How It's Measured
The ACS asks whether each housing unit is owned (with or without a mortgage) or rented. The homeownership rate is the percentage of occupied units that are owner-occupied.
Current Value
US rate: approximately 65.7%
Related Ranking
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Frequently Asked Questions
The percentage of occupied housing units that are owned by the residents (as opposed to rented). The national homeownership rate has fluctuated between 63% and 69% over the past several decades.
Homeownership is the primary wealth-building mechanism for most American families. Higher homeownership rates are associated with community stability, civic engagement, and better school outcomes.
The ACS asks whether each housing unit is owned (with or without a mortgage) or rented. The homeownership rate is the percentage of occupied units that are owner-occupied.