Q4 Homeownership Rate Inches Up

Feb 28, 2019

The national homeownership rate in the fourth quarter of 2018 was 64.8 percent, according to the latest U.S. Census Housing Vacancies and Homeownership report. This was slightly above the 64.2 percent rate from the third quarter and the 64.4 percent rate from the fourth quarter of 2017. But despite the scant annualized uptick, the fourth quarter of 2018 marked the eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year gains.

During the fourth quarter, approximately 88.2 percent of the housing units were occupied and 11.8 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 57.2 percent of total housing units, while renter-occupied units made up 31 percent of the inventory. National vacancy rates in the fourth quarter 2018 were 6.6 percent for rental housing and 1.5 percent for home-owner housing.

The fourth quarter 2018 homeownership rate was highest in the Midwest (69.3 percent) and the South (66 percent) and lower in the Northeast (61.3 percent) and the West (60.9 percent). Homeownership rates were highest for those householders ages 65 years and over (78.8 percent) and lowest for those householders under 35 years of age (36.5 percent).

Among racial demographics, non-Hispanic whites had the highest homeownership rate at 73.6 percent, followed by Asian-Americans at 58.1 percent and African-Americans at 42.9 percent. The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders, which is factored separately from racial demographics, was 46.9 percent.

About the author

Phil Hall

Link copied

Published

Feb 28, 2019

Industry News

Newfi And Addy AI Announce Partnership

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending.Newfi has built innovative lending products and a modern approach to the mortgage market. As the industry evolves, the company continues to exp...

Analysis and Data

Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The Savings

The typical down payment fell 9% from a year ago, while shifting market conditions are giving originators different affordability conversations across the country

Homebuyers are putting less money down than they were a year ago, another sign that increased inventory and greater negotiating room are changing the purchase market.The typical down payment fell to $27,100 in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest second-quarter dollar amou...

Nov

Pasadena, CA

More from

Industry News

CHLA: More Freddie Mac MBS Buying Could Narrow Mortgage Spreads

Trade group estimates greater Freddie participation could compress spreads another 10 to 12 basis points as Fannie has taken the lead in GSE mortgage-bond buying

Industry News

Sep 23, 2026

Early Loan-Limit Race Splits Into Three Tiers

Lenders are now offering $845,000, $847,440, or $850,000 before FHFA sets the official 2027 limits

Industry News

Sep 23, 2026

Better, Garg Clash Over Claimed 46% Shareholder Support

Better disputes its former CEO’s preliminary consent count as the two sides trade accusations and an Oct. 2 target date approaches

C-Suite Strategies

Sep 23, 2026

Fannie Changes How Rent From A Former Home Counts

Fannie now prohibits leases for departing residences and permits market-analysis tools instead of Form 1007, creating a key documentation difference from Freddie Mac

Regulation and Compliance

Sep 22, 2026

MPF Expands Eligibility For Manufactured And Renovation Loans

The Mortgage Partnership Finance Program has expanded MPF Traditional eligibility for affordable loans, manufactured homes, renovations, and lender-funded assistance

Industry News

Sep 22, 2026