US Housing Stock Ages as Nearly Half of Homes Pre-Date 1980
Almost Half of the Owner-Occupied Homes Built Before 1980
The US housing stock continues to age, with nearly half of owner-occupied homes built before 1980, according to data from the American Community Survey, with analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The median age of owner-occupied homes rose to 42 years in 2024, up from 31 years in 2005.
NAHB said homebuilding has faced persistent headwinds, including rising material costs, labor shortages, and elevated interest rates, contributing to limited additions to the housing supply.
From 2020 to 2024, new construction added nearly 3.6 million owner-occupied homes, accounting for just 4% of total stock. Homes built between 2010 and 2019 represent about 9%, while those constructed from 2000 to 2009 make up 15%.
In contrast, about 47% of owner-occupied homes were built before 1980, including roughly 34% built before 1970, pointing to increased demand for repairs, replacements, and remodeling activity.
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