Why Single Women Own More Homes Than Single Men

The Marcus Garrett
Apr 24
3 min read

Single women have consistently outpaced single men in homeownership in the United States since at least 2018. According to recent data, single women own approximately 58% of homes owned by unmarried individuals, compared to 42% owned by single men.

Quick Facts About This Infographic From The Marcus Garrett, LLC.

The homeownership gap between single men and single women cannot be explained or directly attributed to divorce. Specifically, homeownership among single women increased during the same period as both marriage and divorce rates decreased. Since LendingTree’s first observation in 2018, homeownership rates for single women trended upward, During this same period, both divorce rates and marriage rates trended down.
According to CBS News, the latest analysis from LendingTree shows that single women own roughly 10.7 million homes versus 8.1 million for single men.
The primary reasons for the homeownership gap are: 1) single women prioritize homeownership more than single men; 2) women have longer life expectancies than men (age 81 versus age 76); and 3) more women are enrolled in college and have college degrees (47% ages 25 to 34), which is correlated with homeownership in America, than men with college degrees (37% ages 25 to 34).

Key Factors Contribute to the Homeownership Gap Between Single Men and Single Women

Over the past few decades, women have increasingly prioritized financial independence. Many single women view homeownership as one way of securing their financial future, financial independence, and building wealth.

Financial Independence

Women are delaying marriage and children, focusing instead on career advancement and personal goals. This shift has empowered them to make significant financial decisions, such as purchasing a home.

Stability

Women tend to live longer than men in the United States, which influences their long-term financial planning. Older single women, including widows, are more likely to own homes than their male counterparts.
Homeownership provides stability, which is particularly appealing to women who prioritize creating a secure environment for themselves and their families, reports CBS News.

Culture Shifts and Personal Priorities

Societal norms have evolved, encouraging women to take control of their financial futures. Homeownership is often seen as a symbol of independence and success.
Women are more likely to prioritize homeownership as a personal milestone, whereas men may focus on other investments or lifestyle choices.
Despite earning less than men on average, single women are more likely to budget and save for a home. They often make sacrifices in other areas to achieve the personal goal of homeownership.
Women are also more likely to take advantage of first-time homebuyer programs and other resources designed to make homeownership accessible

Population Trends

The higher number of single women in older age groups contributes to the disparity. Among individuals aged 65 and older, women significantly outnumber men, and many of these women own homes

A Cautionary Note For Addressing Skepticism and Critics About Single Women Homeowners in America

The person who thinks they know everything can never learn anything new. Before arguing about any topic, remember that facts will never change the mind of an individual who is determined not to have their mind changed. However, for those who may need to share this Infographic with an audience who doubts these findings, consider the following points:

Data-Driven Evidence: Multiple studies, including reports from the U.S. Census Bureau, Pew Research Center, and LendingTree, consistently show that single women own more homes than single men1.
Economic Behavior: Women’s approach to financial planning often emphasizes stability and security, making homeownership a natural choice.
Historical Context: The trend reflects broader societal changes, including women’s increased participation in the workforce and shifting cultural norms.