Aging U.S. Housing Stock

The U.S. is currently facing the challenge of an aging housing stock, despite a surge in home remodeling during the pandemic. The median age of the nation's owner-occupied houses is 40 years. Older homes have increased needs for critical maintenance, renovations, and upgrades. Half of U.S. owner-occupied homes were constructed before 1980 and are now encountering issues such as hazardous materials, escalating energy costs, faulty plumbing systems, poor ventilation, and deteriorating roofs.

A 2023 Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies report found that 2.8 million owner-occupied homes (3.4 percent of such homes) and 3.9 million renter-occupied homes (8.4 percent) were considered moderately or severely inadequate. Moreover, deferred maintenance has resulted in over 450,000 vacant homes in rural areas being abandoned or falling into disrepair. To address these issues, local governments can implement housing programs focusing on proactive inspections and rehabilitation initiatives, which encourage homeowners to make timely improvements to their properties.

Planners must be aware of this issue as it can directly impact community sustainability, safety, and affordability. Understanding the state of the local housing stock can help planners make informed decisions for their communities.