LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges and disparities in homeownership compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. Recent studies reveal that LGBTQ+ adults have a substantially lower homeownership rate than the general US population.
Various factors contribute to this disparity, including age, race, earnings, and the economic impact of marriage. Additionally, LGBTQ+ individuals often prioritize living in LGBTQ-safe neighborhoods, which tend to be more expensive, further affecting their ability to purchase homes.
A General View of LGBTQ+ Homeownership Rate Statistics
The latest available data from The Urban Institute reveals that the homeownership rate for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ stands at 51%, in contrast to 71% for those who identify as both straight and cisgender. According to the US Census Bureau, at least 1.3 million same-sex couples reside in the US, meaning a significant number of LGBTQ people in this country do not own their own homes.
The Difference Between Homeownership Rates
The United States homeownership rate reveals significant disparities between individuals who identify as straight and cisgender and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
The data revealed in the following tables comes from the National Association of Realtors’ 2021 Profile of LGBTQ Home Buyers and Sellers and a 2018 Freddie Mac study, “LGBT Homeownership Rates Lag Behind General Population.”
Homeownership Rates by Age Group
An important point to consider is that the LGBTQ+ demographic skews significantly younger than the non-LGBTQ+ demographic. Specifically, 52% of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are under the age of 35, whereas only 23% of those who identify as straight and cisgender fall into this younger category. This may reflect the progress of the past few decades that has made people more comfortable being out.
Age Group | Homeownership Rate (Straight and Cisgender) | Homeownership Rate (LGBTQ+) |
<35 | 50% | 39% |
35-44 | 66% | 53% |
45-54 | 73% | 60% |
55-64 | 78% | 67% |
≥65 | 84% | 73% |
Young adults under 35 have the lowest homeownership rates, with a notable 11 percentage point gap between them and their cishet counterparts. This gap underscores the financial and social hurdles young LGBTQ+ people face, such as discrimination, lower average incomes, and less familial support, which hinder their ability to afford homeownership.
As individuals move into the 35-44 group, owning a home is more likely for both populations, but the gap widens to 13 percentage points. This period typically coincides with peak earning years and career advancement opportunities no matter the state of the economy.
However, LGBTQ+ individuals often do not experience the same economic benefits as their straight and cisgender peers, continuing to lag behind in homeownership rates despite overcoming some early financial obstacles.
Between the ages of 45 and 54, homeownership continues to rise, but the gap remains at 13 percentage points. This persistent disparity highlights ongoing systemic issues such as workplace discrimination and unequal access to financial services, which continue to affect LGBTQ+ individuals' ability to purchase and own homes.
Even as individuals in this age group solidify their financial stability, LGBTQ+ individuals face barriers that prevent equal progress.
Those aged 55-64 have the highest rates of homeownership in both groups, yet an 11 percentage point gap remains. This indicates that as individuals approach retirement age, LGBTQ+ individuals are still less likely to own homes than their straight and cisgender counterparts.
This disparity can have significant implications for retirement security and standard of living, as owning a home is crucial for financial stability in later years.
Among those aged 65 and older, the gap persists at 11 percentage points. Lifelong disparities in earnings, inheritance, savings, and access to supportive services continue to affect LGBTQ+ individuals' ability to secure homeownership into their later years.
The financial and social impacts of discrimination, experienced over a lifetime, manifest in lower homeownership among elderly LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address these ongoing challenges.
However, according to the National Association of Realtors, the share of gender and sexual orientation minorities who are homeowners is expected to rise with changing attitudes and the increasing proportion of Gen Z LGBTQ+ people.
Homeownership Rates by Marital Status
Same-sex couples were unable to access the financial and legal advantages associated with marriage until relatively recently. Consequently, only 40% of gay and lesbian individuals and 33% of transgender individuals have ever been married, in stark contrast to the 78% marriage rate among straight and cisgender individuals.
These substantially lower marriage rates contribute to the disparities in homeownership observed among LGBTQ+ people.
Marital Status | Homeownership Gap (Straight vs. Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual) | Homeownership Gap (Cisgender vs. Transgender or Nonbinary) |
Married | 17 pp | 18 pp |
Previously married | 14 pp | 13 pp |
Never married | 5 pp | 8 pp |
The data reveals that homeownership gaps between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ populations are significantly influenced by relationship status, with the most substantial disparities observed among married individuals.
Married cishet couples are 17 percentage points more likely to own homes than their lesbian, gay, or bisexual counterparts, and 18 percentage points more likely compared to transgender or nonbinary individuals. This suggests that marriage offers considerable financial and legal benefits that substantially boost homeownership rates — benefits that LGBTQ+ individuals have historically been excluded from.
For those who were previously married, the gap narrows slightly but remains significant. Straight and cisgender individuals are 14 percentage points more likely to own homes than lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals, and 13 percentage points more likely than transgender or nonbinary individuals. This indicates that the financial and social benefits of marriage continue to impact homeownership even after a marriage has ended.
Among never-married individuals, the ownership gap is smaller but still notable. Straight and cisgender individuals are 5 percentage points more likely to own homes than their lesbian, gay, or bisexual peers and 8 percentage points more likely than transgender or nonbinary individuals. While the impact of marriage is less pronounced here, the persistent gap highlights the ongoing economic and social challenges faced by single LGBTQ+ individuals in the housing market.
Homeownership Rates by Parental Status and Income
LGBTQ+ individuals experience a greater boost in homeownership rates when they have children compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. This trend is likely due to the higher probability of LGBTQ+ people adopting their children.
Adoption, IVF, and surrogacy processes often require people to demonstrate financial stability, secure housing, and sometimes marital status, all of which correlate to higher home purchases among LGBTQ+ parents.
LGBTQ+ people are significantly less likely to have children than non-LGBTQ+ individuals. Only 18% of gay or lesbian individuals and 32% of transgender individuals have children under 18, in contrast to 39% of straight and cisgender individuals.
This disparity highlights the unique challenges and societal barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face in reproductive and parenthood decisions.
Income Group | Homeownership Differences (Straight and Cisgender) | Homeownership Differences (LGBTQ+) |
Less than $35,000 | -13 pp | 0 pp |
$35,000 to $49,999 | -10 pp | 7 pp |
$50,000 to $74,999 | -5 pp | 11 pp |
$75,000 to $99,999 | 1 pp | 16 pp |
At least $100,000 | 6 pp | 15 pp |
For straight and cisgender individuals, having children generally correlates with lower homeownership rates, particularly at lower earning levels. Those earning less than $35,000 see a 13 percentage point decrease, and those earning $35,000 to $49,999 experience a 10 percentage point decrease.
Even at higher earning levels up to $74,999, the effect is less pronounced yet still negative, with a 5 percentage point decrease. Homeownership rates only begin to increase for straight and cisgender parents at earning levels of $75,000 and above.
In contrast, LGBTQ+ individuals with children see an increase in homeownership rates across all earning levels, except if they earn less than $35,000. However, as wealth increases, the positive impact becomes more pronounced: a 7 percentage point increase for those earning $35,000 to $49,999, an 11 percentage point increase for those earning $50,000 to $74,999, and a significant 16 percentage point increase for those earning $75,000 to $99,999. At the highest earning level, $100,000 and above, there is a 15 percentage point increase.
This suggests that the presence of children incentivizes homeownership among LGBTQ+ individuals, likely due to adoption requirements and the need for stability associated with raising children, such as secure housing and financial capability.
Conversely, for straight and cisgender individuals, the financial burden of raising children may outweigh the benefits, particularly at lower earning levels, leading to a decrease in homeownership rates.
Homeownership Rates Among the LGBTQ+ Community by Demographic
The data on homeownership rates within the LGBTQ+ community reveals significant variations based on sexual orientation, gender identity, generational cohort, and race and ethnic identity.
Demographic Group | Homeownership Rate |
By Sexual Orientation | |
Lesbians | 52% |
Gay Men | 52% |
Bisexuals | 48% |
By Gender Identity | |
Gender-Expansive | 33% |
By Generational Cohort | |
Millennials | 23% |
Gen X | 56% |
Baby Boomers | 73% |
By Race or Ethnicity | |
White/Non-Hispanic | 58% |
Latino | 35% |
Black | 30% |
Lesbians and gay men own homes at the same rate, both at 52%, indicating a level of financial stability and access to housing resources. Meanwhile, 48% of bisexual individuals own a home, suggesting a similar but slightly declined socio-economic condition.
Gender identity plays a critical role in homeownership rates within the LGBTQ+ community. Gender-expansive individuals, including non-binary and other identities, face more considerable challenges, with only 33% owning homes. This disparity highlights the broader social and economic marginalization faced by gender-expansive individuals, including discrimination and a lack of supportive housing policies.
There is a clear generational divide in housing security, with younger LGBTQ+ people less likely to own a home. In particular, Millennials have the lowest homeownership rate at 23%. Broader economic trends such as financial instability, substantial student debt, and rising housing costs hit them harder than prior generations. Consequently, LGBTQ+ Millennials have to delay becoming first-time buyers.
In contrast, Gen X individuals are more likely to own homes, at 56%, while Baby Boomers report the highest rate at 73%, likely benefiting from more stable economic conditions and favorable housing markets during their peak earning years.
Race and ethnicity also strongly impact the likelihood of owning a home among LGBTQ+ people. Non-Hispanic white Americans are the most likely to own their homes. At 58%, white households have the highest homeownership rates among all ethnic groups. There are considerably fewer Hispanic homeowners among LGBTQ+ people, at just 35%. Finally, Black Americans in the community face the lowest rate at 30%. These disparities suggest that systemic issues like racism, lower income levels and generational wealth, and reduced access to credit compound the challenges already faced by the LGBTQ+ community when purchasing homes.
Types of Real Estate Owned by LGBTQ+ Individuals
The data shows the types of owner-occupied housing units in the community, reflecting diverse property investments and living arrangements.
Type of Real Estate | Ownership Rate |
Single-family house | 76% |
Condominium (with shared expenses with other owners) | 13% |
Investment rental property | 8% |
Townhouse | 7% |
Vacation home (for exclusive use or occasional renting) | 4% |
Manufactured or mobile home | 4% |
Other | 3% |
Investment business property | 1% |
A significant majority of LGBTQ+ owner-occupied housing units are single-family houses. This aligns with broader real estate trends where single-unit homes are often seen as a stable and desirable investment.
Condominiums are also popular, offering the advantage of shared expenses and maintenance responsibilities, which can be particularly appealing for those seeking a community living environment with lower individual upkeep. Townhouses provide a middle ground between single-unit homes and condominiums, combining individual unit ownership with some communal amenities and shared walls, appealing to those who seek a balance between privacy and community living.
A notable portion of LGBTQ+ individuals own investment rental properties, indicating a strategic approach to leveraging real estate. This suggests an interest in using property ownership as a means of financial growth and stability.
Vacation homes and manufactured or mobile homes represent a smaller segment of property ownership, catering to those interested in secondary residences for personal use or rental purposes, and those looking for more affordable or flexible housing options.
Community Preferences Among LGBTQ+ Homeowners
In the survey, data on housing preferences among LGBTQ+ homeowners reveals distinct trends based on community type. For example, gay men are most likely to live in urban areas, while bisexuals are more likely to live in suburbs. 42% of gender-expansive individuals live in small communities, while lesbians are dispersed similarly across all community types.
A smaller portion of LGBTQ+ homeowners (28%) live in big or medium-sized cities or urban areas. This suggests that the high cost of purchasing property in these areas is a significant barrier to purchasing homes.
In contrast, 35% of LGBTQ+ homeowners choose to live in suburban areas near big or medium-sized cities. Suburbs provide a balance of affordability and accessibility, offering proximity to urban amenities while providing more affordable and spacious housing options. This preference indicates that many LGBTQ+ individuals find suburbs a desirable compromise, combining the benefits of both urban amenities and more spacious, cost-effective living.
The highest share of LGBTQ+ homeowners, 37%, reside in small communities. This trend reflects the affordability and greater property availability in these areas. Small communities typically have lower home prices, allowing for more significant property ownership despite potential trade-offs in terms of community diversity and social acceptance. However, these areas are also popular for their quieter, more peaceful lifestyle.
Key Factors Influencing Homeownership Decisions Among LGBTQ+ Individuals
Safety is paramount, with 94% of LGBT home buyers considering a low violent crime rate to be of utmost importance. LGBTQ home buyers make purchasing decisions based on the need to feel safe from harassment and violence, emphasizing the need for secure and accepting environments. 93% also rated the overall atmosphere of the neighborhood as an important factor.
A low petty crime rate is important for 84% of homeowners, further underscoring the significance of safety in the decision-making process. Legal protections are also crucial, with 80% of respondents prioritizing sexual orientation anti-discrimination laws and protections, and 70% valuing gender identity anti-discrimination laws and protections.
As such, housing vacancies and homeownership rates by state among LGBTQ+ American homeowners may be strongly influenced by changing laws in different areas. Places with strong protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, like Washington state, New York, and California, may be more popular amongst buyers, while more restrictive areas like West Virginia and Florida might see a surge in gay men and women leaving for safer regions.
The education level of residents is another factor, with 63% of homeowners indicating that it is important for residents to have higher education levels. The presence of other LGBTQ+ people in the area is important for 52% of respondents, highlighting the value of living in a community with a visible and supportive LGBTQ+ presence. Lastly, having residents with similar political views is significant for 47% of homeowners.
Living Arrangements of LGBTQ+ Homeowners
The data on living arrangements for LGBTQ+ homeowners shows distinct patterns in household composition. A significant majority (68%) live with a partner or spouse, indicating that many LGBTQ+ individuals who own homes do so with their spouses or partners, likely leveraging combined financial resources to buy homes. A smaller portion of LGBT homeowners (22%) live by themselves. Living with roommates is relatively rare among LGBTQ+ homeowners, with only 6% opting for this arrangement.
Homeowners living with children under 18 make up 12% of the sample. Additionally, 4% live with children aged 18 or older, showing some multi-generational households among LGBTQ+ homeowners.
Other living arrangements include 3% living with their or their partner's parents. Only 2% live with brothers, sisters, or other relatives, and another 2% with people not mentioned above.
Perceptions of Homeownership Among LGBTQ+ Homeowners
Overall, the data shown below suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals generally view buying a home as a favorable goal and a positive investment. A substantial majority (67%) confirm that they will always own a home and do not foresee themselves ever renting. This indicates a strong commitment to owning a home as a long-term choice that increases safety and stability.
However, 32% of respondents express openness to renting in the future despite currently owning a home. This suggests a flexible approach to housing under changing circumstances.
Only a small proportion (2%) regret purchasing a home and would prefer being renters. These homeownership statistics suggest that most LGBTQ+ people are satisfied with their decision to buy a home, viewing it as a positive and suitable choice for their lifestyle and goals.
Statement | Strongly Agree | Somewhat Agree | Somewhat Disagree | Strongly Disagree |
Homeownership feels right for my current life goals | 72% | 23% | 4% | 1% |
Homeownership is a good financial investment | 64% | 31% | 4% | 1% |
Homeownership is part of my American Dream | 50% | 37% | 10% | 2% |
Homeownership is common among my friends | 42% | 39% | 15% | 4% |
A substantial majority (72%) strongly agree that homeownership aligns with their current goals, and 64% strongly believe it is a good financial investment. Half of the respondents view owning a home as part of their American Dream, with an additional 37% somewhat agreeing.
Furthermore, 42% strongly agree that owning a home is common among their peers, suggesting that social circles also play a role in LGBTQ+ views on homeownership.
Key Motivations for LGBTQ+ Homeownership
The most significant motivation, cited by 68% of respondents in the survey, is viewing homeownership as a financial investment for the future. Another major factor is the desire to stop paying rent to someone else, which 63% of respondents identified as a key motivation.
Improving life quality for themselves and their families is important to 45% of LGBTQ+ individuals, while 43% value the freedom and control over decorating their personal space.
Providing more stability for their family is a significant motivation for 41% of respondents, and other motivations include the ability to have a pet (38%), pride in being a homeowner (38%), and tax savings (35%).
LGBTQ+ Homeowners and Real Estate Agents
44% of LGBTQ+ home buyers work with agents who are straight but LGBTQ+ friendly or allied. Additionally, 21% chose agents who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, and 11% selected agents with a history of assisting LGBTQ+ clients.
When asked if the LGBTQ+ or ally identity of their agent influenced their decision, 33% of those who worked with an LGBTQ+ or ally agent said it strongly influenced their choice, while 24% reported it somewhat influenced their decision. However, 37% indicated that the agent's LGBTQ+ or ally status did not influence their decision at all.
Methods of Financing Home Purchases Among LGBTQ+ Homeowners
Most LGBTQ+ home buyers (67%) use a 30-year fixed-rate loan from a financial institution, indicating a preference for stable and predictable mortgage payments. Cash purchases account for 15% of home purchases by LGBTQ+ buyers. FHA loans are utilized by 14% of homeowners, reflecting the importance of government-backed loans for those who may need more flexible credit requirements or lower down payments.
Gifts and 15-year fixed rate loans are each used by 7% of homeowners, showing that financial support from loved ones and shorter-term loans are important options. Other notable methods include personal loans (5%), VA loans (4%), and various other federal, state, or local loans (3%).
Less common methods, each used by only 1% of respondents, include USDA loans, interest-only loans, and HFA loans. Adjustable rate loans are used by just 2% of LGBTQ+ homeowners.
This data highlights a diverse range of financing options; most LGBTQ+ individuals rely on conventional fixed-rate mortgages, as well as cash purchases and FHA loans.
Experiences of Discrimination in Home Buying Among LGBTQ+ Homeowners
When it comes to home buying and lending discrimination statistics, 13% of all LGBTQ+ homeowners reported experiencing discrimination or prejudice from lenders, loan officers, realtors, or sellers.
Breaking it down by specific groups, lesbians reported the highest rate of discrimination at 19%, indicating a significant challenge within this subgroup. Gender-expansive individuals also faced notable discrimination, with 14% reporting such experiences.
In comparison, 10% of gay men and bisexual individuals reported facing discrimination, showing that while these groups still encounter bias, the incidence is slightly lower.
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