How Single-Family Home Sizes Have Shifted
According to first quarter 2022 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis, median single-family square floor area inched down to 2,310 square feet. Average (mean) square footage for new single-family homes decreased to 2,512.
An expected impact of the virus crisis is a need for more residential space, as people use homes for more purposes, including work.
Since the Great Recession lows (and on a one-year moving average basis), the average size of new single-family homes is now 6.3% higher at 2,537 square feet, while the median size is 10% higher at 2,318 square feet.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz provides a forecast for changes in home sizes in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jan 07, 2026
3 Game Changers to Transform the Way You Do BusinessThe Game Changers format pairs an industry professional with an expert outside the industry to tailor the latest techniques, strategies and approaches to the building industry. Learn how you can experience the best of both worlds — the business world and the building world — at the 2026 International Builders' Show in Orlando, Feb. 17-19.
Jan 07, 2026
Mortgage Rates End 2025 at the Lowest Level of the YearLong-term mortgage rates have been declining since mid-2025 and ended the year at their lowest level since September 2024.
Latest Economic News
Jan 07, 2026
State-Level Employment Situation: November 2025In November 2025, employment levels were largely unchanged across all states, with year-over-year growth holding near 2%. In contrast, construction employment showed greater variation, with some states experiencing declines of up to 7.5% while others posted gains approaching 10%.
Jan 07, 2026
Construction Job Openings Increased in NovemberThe count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry increased in November, per the delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.
Jan 06, 2026
Mortgage Rates End 2025 at the Lowest Level of the YearLong-term mortgage rates have been declining since mid- 2025 and ended the year at their lowest level since September 2024. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.19% in December, 5 basis points (bps) lower than November. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate declined 3 bps to 5.48%.