By Na Zhao | eyeonhousing.org

The U.S. homeownership rate edged down to 65% in the second quarter of 2026, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancy Survey. The rate was slightly below the first quarter’s 65.3% but was not statistically different from a year earlier.

Despite the small decline, the data highlights continued challenges for Americans trying to purchase homes. High mortgage rates, limited housing supply, and historically low affordability continue to make homeownership difficult, particularly for younger buyers.

The current homeownership rate remains well below its 2004 peak of 69.2% and is also below the 25-year average of 66.3%. Younger households have been particularly affected. Among people under 35, the homeownership rate fell from 36.4% to 35.2% over the past year. Rates also declined among households ages 35–44 and 55–64.

In contrast, the homeownership rate for households ages 45–54 increased from 69.2% to 69.7%, while the rate for those 65 and older remained steady at 78.6%.

Housing supply showed some signs of improvement. The homeowner vacancy rate increased slightly to 1.2%, suggesting that more existing homes may be becoming available. Meanwhile, the rental vacancy rate remained at 7.3%.

The number of U.S. households also continued to grow, reaching 133.8 million, up from 132.6 million a year earlier. Owner-occupied households increased by about 780,000, while renter households grew by approximately 450,000.

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