Single women now own far more homes than single men and lead in most U.S. metros, including fast-growing Florida markets where prices better match single incomes.
New York — Single women continue to outpace single men in homeownership, even though they typically earn less and spend a larger share of their income on housing.
New data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found that more than 20 million single women own homes, compared with about 14 million single men. Some Florida markets, including Cape Coral and Palm Bay, showcased higher rates of homeownership among single women, with the region experiencing the fastest gains in this group.
Single women have higher homeownership rates in 57% of U.S. metros. NAR Senior Economist Nadia Evangelou said, "Over the past two decades, homeownership among single men has been relatively flat, while single women have consistently maintained higher homeownership rates – and you see that showing up in today's market. Single women make up about 21% of home buyers, compared to about 9% for single men."
Gains have been especially notable among divorced, separated and never-married women, as well as younger women under age 45.
"Overall, single women across different life stages are making progress in homeownership, even in a more challenging affordability environment," said Evangelou.
Florida's markets, including Cape Coral and Palm Bay, showcased higher rates of homeownership among single women, with the region experiencing the fastest gains in this group.
"What these areas have in common is that home prices are still more aligned with local incomes, making it more realistic to buy on a single income," Evangelou said.
Source: Realtor.com (04/26) Taylor, Julie
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