America’s homeownership rate may not be what you think

The U.S. homeownership rate may be overstated when measured by homes rather than individuals. A traditional measure counts 65% of occupied homes as owner-occupied, while the Homeowners-to-Population Ratio (HPOP) shows only 53% of adults own homes, excluding those living in owner-occupied homes without personal ownership. Shifts in homeownership patterns, such as younger adults struggling to buy homes and older adults staying longer, contribute to the disparity.