The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.3% in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). However, despite this quarterly increase, the trend continues to reflect significant affordability challenges.

With mortgage interest rates remaining elevated, and housing supply still tight, housing affordability is at a multidecade low. Compared to the peak of 69.2% in 2004, the homeownership rate is currently 3.9 percentage points lower and remains below the 25-year average rate of 66.3%.

 

How Homeownership Differs By Age Group

Compared to the previous year, homeownership rates increased in three age groups:

• Those under 35 increased 0.5 percentage points to 37.5% in the third quarter of 2025.
• Householders ages 45-54 experienced a 0.3 percentage-point increase from 69.7% to 70%.
• Householders aged 55-64 inched up by 0.1 percentage point.

However, homeownership rates for householders aged 35-44 and those aged 65 years and over each declined 1.2 percentage points from a year ago.

Learn more about updates on the national vacancy rate in this Eye on Housing post from NAHB Economist Na Zhao.