United StatesA new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis reveals that fewer Americans own homes than previously believed, challenging the commonly cited 65% homeownership rate. The traditional measure, used by the U.S. Census Bureau, counts households where someone lives in an owned home, even if not all residents are legal owners. The new 'homeowners-to-population ratio' (HPOP) focuses on adults who actually own property, showing that over 14% of U.S. adults live in owner-occupied homes without being legal owners. This includes cases like adult children living with parents or roommates who own the property. Researchers argue that the old method creates misleading impressions, while the new metric highlights growing affordability issues in homeownership, particularly in high-cost states like California and New York.
Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a nonpartisan academic institution (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis) and quotes both researchers and an independent economist. It explains the methodology behind the new measurement without overtly criticizing or praising either side of the political spectrum.
