Fed Economist Puts U.S. Homeownership at 53% Using Adult-Based Measure
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 21
Fed Economist Puts U.S. Homeownership at 53% Using Adult-Based Measure
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 21
Summary
Erik Hembre calculated that 53% of U.S. adults live in a home they own, well below the standard 65% rate based on owner-occupied housing units.
His HPOP metric counts people rather than homes, excluding adults who live with homeowner relatives or friends without owning the property themselves.
Adult children living with parents account for the biggest gap, while roommates, elderly parents in children’s homes and other relatives explain smaller shares.
Since 2006, both measures have fallen about 2%, but HPOP shows sharper age shifts: ownership among people over 70 rose 5 points as adults in their 20s and 30s fell behind.
Housing analysts said the measure could improve demographic accuracy for policymaking, though critics cautioned it should complement—not replace—the traditional owner-occupancy rate.