Homeownership rates in the United States and each state are presented for homes within different types of structures, one-person households, recent movers, and householders by age.

Generally, homeownership rates rose in each decade since 1950, except in the 1980s when it remained unchanged ¾ increasing from 55 percent in 1950 to 66 percent in 2000. But, there was considerable variability among different household and housing types.

Homeownership of one-family detached homes rose significantly in the 1950s, modestly in the 1960s and 1970s, dropped slightly in the 1980s, and shows an extremely small increased in the 1990s, reaching 87 percent in 2000 (see graph).

For apartments in buildings with 5 or more units, homeownership rates have always been very low. But, even for these, rates almost tripled from 1950 (4.1 percent) to 2000 (11 percent).

Mobile homes (manufactured housing), like one-family detached homes, have always had very high homeownership rates. In 2000, 79 percent of mobile homes were owned.

Among those who live alone, homeownership rates remained in the low 40 percents from 1950 to 1980, rising to 49 percent in 1980 and over 50 percent in 2000. In 1950, homeownership rates for one-person households were highest in three Midwest states: Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota. However, in 2000, the highest rates were primarily found in the South, such as West Virginia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Florida.

The homeownership rate among recent movers was consistently in the lower 30 percents from 1960 to 1980, dropped to 29 percent in 1990, and rebounded to 34 percent in 2000. The trend in Arizona was similar but more dramatic. Its homeownership rate among recent movers was consistently in the lower 40 percents, dropped to 28 percent in 1990, and rose to 39 percent in 2000. Recent movers are defined as those who move into their homes in the 15 months prior to the decennial census.

Among young homeowners, those under 35 years of age, the homeownership rate was fairly consistent over time. Between 1940 and 1990 it was in the low 40 percents, and dropped slightly to 39 percent in 2000. Rates for this group are not available prior to 1970 at the national level and are not available at the state level prior to 1980.

Older householders (65 years and over) have always had high homeownership rates. Their homeownership rate increased from 68 percent in 1950 to 78 percent in 2000, rising fastest between 1980 (70 percent) and 1990 (75 percent). In 1960, only a small number of states had homeownership rates for older householders at 80 percent or more. By 2000, almost one-half of the states had rates at that level, with Utah topping the list at 87 percent. State homeownership rates are not available for this group prior to 1960.