Single women accounted for more than one in every 10 home purchase mortgages nationwide in 2025, according to a new analysis of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data.
Mortgage Research Network found that nearly 360,000 women under age 45 purchased homes on their own last year, representing 11.4% of all home purchase loans nationwide. The study analyzed purchase mortgages across the nation's 50 largest metropolitan areas and found significant differences in where single women are most likely to become homeowners.
The findings suggest affordability remains one of the strongest factors influencing homeownership opportunities for single-income borrowers.
"Where women are buying on their own varies dramatically by market, and affordability appears to be one of the strongest drivers," said Tim Lucas, lead analyst and report author at Mortgage Research Network.
The report found that single women purchased homes at nearly twice the rate in the top-ranked metros compared with the lowest-ranked markets. Across the top five metropolitan areas, single female buyers accounted for an average of 15.8% of purchase mortgages, compared with just 7.6% across the bottom five.
Affordable Markets Lead
New Orleans ranked first among the nation's largest metropolitan areas, with single women accounting for 17.4% of home purchase mortgages. Hartford, Connecticut, followed at 16.2%, while Buffalo, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; and Birmingham, Alabama rounded out the top five.
Many of the strongest-performing markets shared a common characteristic: relatively affordable housing.
The average home value across the top 10 metros was approximately $309,000, according to the analysis. By comparison, the average home value across the bottom 10 markets exceeded $818,000.
The nation's most expensive housing markets generally ranked near the bottom. San Jose, California, finished last, with single women accounting for just 6.5% of purchase loans. San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle also ranked among the lowest-performing metros.
The findings reinforce broader industry concerns that affordability challenges continue to limit homeownership opportunities for many first-time and single-income buyers, even as demand remains strong.
Income Remains A Major Factor
While affordability helps determine where single women buy homes, income continues to play a significant role in who can enter the market.
Across the highest-ranked metros, single female homebuyers earned substantially more than the typical single woman in their local market.
In New Orleans, for example, the median income of a single female homebuyer was $74,000, compared with approximately $36,000 for single women overall. Similar gaps appeared across other top-ranked metros, suggesting that successful buyers continue to have incomes well above local averages.
Nationally, the median income for single female homebuyers was $112,000.
The findings highlight a continuing challenge for lenders and housing advocates: while homeownership remains achievable for many women purchasing homes on their own, income and affordability remain major determinants of who can successfully buy a home.
Regional Trends Emerge
The study found that affordable markets in the South, Midwest, and Northeast dominated the rankings.
Eight of the top 10 metros were located in the South or Midwest, while both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia ranked among the nation's top markets for single female homebuyers.
Meanwhile, several Sun Belt markets that previously attracted buyers with lower housing costs posted weaker results. Phoenix ranked 44th nationally, while Dallas finished 39th, suggesting that rising home prices may be reducing opportunities for single-income purchasers.
For mortgage professionals, the report points to a borrower segment that continues to pursue homeownership despite affordability pressures. As purchase activity remains the industry's primary growth opportunity, understanding where and how single-income borrowers are succeeding may offer insight into emerging market opportunities.
