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Record Number of Extra Bedrooms in American Homes

According to a recent report from Realtor.com®, the number of extra bedrooms in U.S. homes has soared to a record 31.9 million in 2023. This represents a significant increase from 31.3 million in the previous year, and is a staggering fourfold rise from the mere 7 million extra bedrooms reported in 1980. The report outlines that these extra bedrooms are defined as bedrooms that exceed the number of occupants in a home, plus one additional room for purposes such as an office.

The growing trend of excess bedrooms is attributed to two main factors: a decrease in average household sizes and an uptick in the number of bedrooms per home. While home dwellers often feel cramped during the holidays, the data suggests we are currently experiencing a "golden age" of extra bedrooms. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com®, expressed that even though homes may feel tight, the statistics reflect the highest quantity of extra bedrooms ever recorded in the history of the U.S. Census.

Context behind the Numbers

Over the years, the average number of bedrooms in homes has been steadily increasing. Today's homes boast an average of 2.8 bedrooms, an increase from 2.5 bedrooms in 1970. However, this figure has remained stagnant over the last decade, showing no growth compared to the same statistic in 2013, indicating factors beyond just the number of available bedrooms affecting this phenomenon.

The more vital trend relates to the number of household members, which has diminished significantly from an average of 3.1 people per household in 1970 to a record low of 2.5 people in 2023. Thus, fewer inhabitants per home can account for the growing number of spare bedrooms across the country.

Regional Differences in Extra Bedrooms

Extra bedrooms are most common in regions such as the Mountain West and the southern states where there is more land available, leading to larger homes with spacious floor plans. Conversely, urban areas with denser populations tend to have fewer extra bedrooms due to higher land costs and a demand for more compact living spaces.

Here are some of the markets with the highest proportions of extra bedrooms compared to total bedrooms:
1. Ogden, Utah: 12.2%
2. Colorado Springs, Colo.: 12.1%
3. Salt Lake City, Utah: 12.0%
4. Memphis, Tenn.: 11.8%
5. Atlanta, G.A.: 11.6%
6. Cleveland, Ohio: 11.3%
7. Wichita, Kansas: 11.3%
8. Columbia, S.C.: 10.8%
9. Charleston, S.C.: 10.7%
10. Jackson, Miss.: 10.7%

In sharp contrast, urban areas manifest lower occurrences of extra bedrooms, underscoring the influence of high density and real estate costs. The ten markets with the lowest extra bedroom shares include:
1. Miami, Fla.: 5.9%
2. Sarasota, Fla.: 6.4%
3. New York, N.Y.: 6.5%
4. Los Angeles, Calif.: 6.6%
5. New Haven, Conn.: 6.7%
6. Worcester, Mass.: 6.9%
7. Stockton, Calif.: 6.9%
8. Bakersfield, Calif.: 7.0%
9. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii: 7.0%
10. Providence, R.I.: 7.1%

Conclusion

This report sheds light on the changing dynamics of American households and outlines the growing leisure for larger living accommodations as people are opting for more space amidst decreasing household sizes. With families utilizing spare rooms as offices, this trend is likely to continue as Americans reinvent the way they use their homes. These insights can further guide prospective homebuyers and sellers in navigating the current housing market.

For further details and to read the complete report, please visit Realtor.com.