Economics

Homeownership Rate Hits an Almost 5-Year High as Gen-X Returns

  • Increase signals strengthening demand for lower-priced homes
  • Rate for all Americans rose to 64.8%, highest since early 2014
Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
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The U.S. homeownership rate rose to the highest level since 2014, led by a growing share of buyers in their mid-30s and early 40s.

The rate for Americans age 35 to 44 rose to 61.1 percent in the fourth quarter from 58.9 percent a year earlier, according to Census Bureau data released Thursday. For buyers under age 35, the share was 36.5 percent, up from 36 percent.