More homes owned by single women than single men across US metros

Single women are significantly outpacing unattached men when it comes to home ownership across the country.

According to recent research released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), single women currently tally about 21% of homebuyers, more than double that of single men (9%). Overall, the findings reveal that more than 20 million single women are listed as homeowners, while only 14 million single guys have purchased their own place.

Nadia Evangelou, a senior economist for NAR, said the trend that shows single women outnumbering single men in the homeownership arena has been the pattern for about 20 years.

“Over the past two decades, homeownership among single men has been relatively flat, while single women have consistently maintained higher homeownership rates — and you see that showing up in today’s market,” Evangelou said.

Other findings from the study show steady increases in home ownership the past decade for single women classified as divorced, separated or who have never married. During the past 10 years, the rates for divorcees has climbed from 55% to 60%, with a 6% hike for those who are separated (33% to 39%) and those who’ve never married moving from 30% to 34%. But the most likely group of single women to own a home are those who are widowed (73%).

Other findings show single men tend to purchase homes at a younger median age (57) compared to women (63). However, the median income for single women homeowners checks in at $58,000, compared to $69,000 for men. Single women are also found to spend a higher percentage of their income on housing costs (30%) compared to single men (20%).

Another emerging trend shows younger women slowly starting to enter the homebuying market the past decade. Homeownership for women ages 35 to 44 has now reached 40%, up slightly from 36%, while single women 25 to 34 have seen a 20% increase and now registers at 25% overall.

U.S. metro areas serve as the primary locations where single women outnumber single men homeowners. Davenport, Iowa, Asheville, North Carolina, Vallejo, California, and McCallen, Texas, represent a big portion of the 57% of metro areas dominated by single women who own homes.