Housing

Housing market data, prices, and characteristics of U.S. housing.

Homeowner Vacancy Rate by State: 2026 Rankings and What It Means for Buyers

| Housing |

The U.S. homeowner vacancy rate held at 1.2 percent in the second quarter of 2026, statistically unchanged from 1.1 percent a year earlier, while the rental vacancy rate remained much higher at 7.3 percent. State-level homeowner vacancy rankings are not available in the latest federal release, but national and regional patterns show a persistently tight owner-occupied market. Buyers face limited for-sale inventory and affordability pressures, while rental supply provides a modest pressure valve.

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U.S. Rental Vacancy Rate: Historical Trends and 2026 Outlook

| Housing |

The U.S. rental vacancy rate reached 7.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, its highest level since 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The increase reflects a nationwide apartment building boom that has shifted bargaining power toward renters, even as the homeownership rate holds steady at 65.0 percent. This article examines the historical trend, the forces behind the rise, and what the data suggest for the rest of 2026.

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Median Rent by State: 2026 Rankings and Key Trends

| Rents & Rental Market |

Median gross rent varies widely across the United States, from under $900 in West Virginia to over $2,000 in California and Hawaii. The latest Census American Community Survey data show a median state rent around $1,300, with coastal and Western states generally highest. This article ranks all states, explains how median rent is calculated, and examines affordability pressures.

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Housing in America: Key Statistics and Trends in 2025–2026

| Housing Supply & Construction |

The U.S. housing market in 2025 and early 2026 is defined by persistent affordability challenges, near-record home price-to-income ratios, and existing home sales at three-decade lows. While rents have declined and some price growth has decelerated, cost burdens for renters and owners continue to climb, and residential permitting has fallen for a fourth consecutive year. This article summarizes the latest official data on home prices, homeownership, construction, and affordability.

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