Homeownership Rates by State – Pa. No. 14

As of last year, 65.7% of U.S. households owned their home, according to Visual Capitalist. 

Per the latest Census data from 2023, West Virginia had the highest homeownership rate by state at 77%. New York had the lowest at only 53.3%. However, Washington, D.C.’s rate was even lower at 40.2%. 

Pennsylvania fell within the top 15, tying with Montana and Idaho for the 14th-highest homeownership rate of 71%. 

“Although Pennsylvania didn’t make the top 10 states with the highest homeownership rates, I think it is important to note our commonwealth stands out positively within our region,” says PAR First Vice President Eric Rehling. “Compared to other Northeast states that grapple with soaring housing prices and consequently lower homeownership rates, such as New York at 53.3%, Pennsylvania offers a more attainable path to homeownership for many. That said, we need to continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure quality housing and homeownership is available for all Pennsylvanians.” 

Nationwide, homeownership rates varied throughout. Understandably, states with higher living costs and higher home-price-to-income ratios had lower rates, like New York (53.3%) and California (55.8%).  

The top 10 states with the highest homeownership rates in 2023 were: 

1. West Virginia (77.0%) 
2. Delaware (75.7%) 
3. Mississippi (75.5%) (tie)
4. Maine (75.5%) (tie) 
5. Wyoming (74.3%) 
6. New Hampshire (74.3%) 
7. Michigan (74.1%) 
8. Minnesota (74.0%) 
9. Alabama (73.8%) 
10. Vermont (73.7%) 
11. Indiana (73.3%)