Homeowners’ Net Worth Is Now 43 Times Higher Than Renters’
The disparity in wealth between homeowners and renters in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. According to a recent analysis by the National Association of Realtors, the average net worth of a homeowner is now 43 times greater than that of a renter. This disparity is driven by the significant increase in home values over the past few years.
In 2025, the average net worth of homeowners stands at $430,000, while renters lag far behind with an average net worth of just $10,000. The gap in wealth has only widened as both groups have seen substantial gains in net worth, with homeowners experiencing a 46% increase and renters a 37% increase since before the pandemic.
However, the recent data also reveals a concerning trend. While homeowners have continued to see their net worth grow, renters have actually experienced a decrease in wealth since 2022. This can be attributed to rising rents, which have pushed renters further into debt and made it increasingly difficult for them to save and build wealth.
The housing affordability crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic, is a major factor contributing to the widening wealth gap in America. Despite the desire of the majority of renters to own a home, various barriers such as rent increases, stagnant wage growth, and high mortgage rates have made homeownership increasingly out of reach for many.
The latest data from the New York Federal Reserve shows that renters’ confidence in their ability to own a home in the future is at an all-time low. With only 33.9% of renters believing they will ever achieve the American Dream of homeownership, the outlook is bleak for many aspiring homeowners.
As the disparity between homeowners and renters continues to grow, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the wealth gap. Affordable housing policies, increased access to homeownership opportunities, and financial education programs are just some of the potential solutions that could help narrow the divide and create a more equitable housing market for all Americans.
