Declining homeownership among Americans

Homeownership has fallen dramatically across all ages over the past four decades. In 1980, 58% of 30-year-old Americans owned their home, and by age 50, nearly 80% of Americans would own their home. Homeownership has considerably declined since then. In 2000, 43% of 30-year-olds owned their home, and by 2025, just 30% owned their home. These declines persist into middle-age, with only 63% of 50-year-olds owning their home in 2025. While much of this decline is explained by falling marriage rates, even married adults are less likely to own their home: in 1980, 89% of married adults aged 50 owned their home, compared to 79% in 2025.

by Grant Bailey