Single-Family Home Size Falls to More Than a Decade Low
According to second quarter 2023 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis, median single-family square floor area declined to 2,191 square feet, the lowest reading since the end of 2010.
Home size increased in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the need for more residential space, as more people stayed at home and used their residential property for offices, gyms and classrooms. During this period, when mortgage rates reached historic lows, buyers had more purchasing power, which spurred the demand for larger homes.
However, as interest rates increased in 2022 and housing affordability worsened, the demand for home size has trended lower.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing blog post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics | Education
Nov 21, 2025
How the Fed’s Rate Cuts Will Impact Housing in 20262026 is likely to present the home building sector with new challenges and opportunities, many of which will be explored in a Dec. 11 webinar, “Housing Market Outlook: The Fed Resumes Rate Cuts.”
Regulations
Nov 21, 2025
NAHB Backs Trump Administration’s Proposed ESA ReformsIn a move strongly supported by NAHB, the U.S. Interior Department on Nov. 21 announced four proposed regulatory rules regarding reforms to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that would rescind changes made during the Biden administration that have created regulatory barriers that hinder housing development and economic activity.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Nov 20, 2025
September Jobs Report Highlights a Cooling but Still Growing Labor MarketThe long-delayed September jobs report revealed that the U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs while the unemployment rate climbed to its highest level in nearly four years.
Economics
Nov 20, 2025
Existing Home Sales Rise in OctoberExisting home sales rose to an eight-month high in October as buyers took advantage of lower mortgage rates, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Resale inventory improved from a year ago but remained below pre-pandemic levels.
Economics
Nov 19, 2025
Affordability Impacts: Young Adults Are Once Again Moving Back HomeThe share of young adults living with parents increased in 2024, interrupting the post-pandemic trend of moving out of parental homes.