How Single-Family Home Sizes Have Shifted
According to first quarter 2022 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis, median single-family square floor area inched down to 2,310 square feet. Average (mean) square footage for new single-family homes decreased to 2,512.
An expected impact of the virus crisis is a need for more residential space, as people use homes for more purposes, including work.
Since the Great Recession lows (and on a one-year moving average basis), the average size of new single-family homes is now 6.3% higher at 2,537 square feet, while the median size is 10% higher at 2,318 square feet.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz provides a forecast for changes in home sizes in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Awards | IBS
Feb 19, 2026
NAHB Announces 2025 Best in American Living Awards WinnersThe National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced the winners of the 2025 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) during the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando. The awards are sponsored by Smeg.
IBS
Feb 19, 2026
NAHB Honors the Industry’s Top Achievements at The NationalsThe National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) honored top achievements in residential real estate sales, marketing, individual achievement and global excellence at The Nationals℠ Awards Gala (sponsored by Chase) during the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando. Awards were also presented for the 55+ housing, NAHB Honors and Global Innovation award categories.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 19, 2026
Delinquency Rates Normalize While Credit Card and Student Loan Stress WorsensDelinquent consumer loans have steadily increased as pandemic distortions fade, returning broadly to pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 4.8% of outstanding household debt was delinquent at the end of 2025, 0.3 percentage points higher than the third quarter of 2025 and 1.2% higher from year-end 2024.
Economics
Feb 18, 2026
Overall Housing Starts Inch Lower in 2025Despite a strong finish in December, single-family home building dipped in 2025 as persistent affordability challenges continued to weigh on the market.
Economics
Feb 18, 2026
How Housing Affordability Conditions Vary Across States and Metro AreasThe NAHB 2026 priced-out estimates show that the housing affordability challenge is widespread across the country. In 39 states and the District of Columbia, over 65% of households are priced out of the median-priced new home market. This indicates a significant disconnect between higher new home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and household incomes.