Single Women Surpass Single Men in Homeownership, Defying Wealth Disparities

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In a recent study conducted by LendingTree, it was revealed that unmarried women in the United States own a staggering 2.7 million more homes than their single male counterparts. The research, based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, highlights a notable increase in the homeownership gender gap since 2021.

The data indicates that approximately 13% of single women hold the titles to their homes, compared to 10% of single men. The 2022 gap of 2.71 million homes surpasses the previous year by 70,000, underlining a trend where single women continue to outpace single men in homeownership.

This shift in property ownership challenges traditional norms and reflects the resilience of single women in navigating social and economic barriers to wealth creation. Despite facing longstanding disparities, with women earning, on average, 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, the study suggests that women are increasingly becoming key players in the real estate market.

Pew Research Center highlights the ongoing challenges women encounter in accumulating wealth, emphasizing the persistent earnings gap and other socio-economic factors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics further notes that women’s median weekly earnings stand at only 83% of men’s, contributing to the financial hurdles they face.

LendingTree’s analysis takes into account various demographic factors, including age, income, education, and racial background, providing a comprehensive view of the shifting landscape of homeownership. The study sheds light on the significance of single women in building and holding wealth through property ownership.

Home equity, as revealed by a 2020 U.S. Census Bureau report, constitutes nearly 28% of household wealth on average. Despite the challenges, single women are leveraging homeownership as a means to accumulate wealth and secure their financial futures.

However, it is crucial to note that the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reports a broader wealth gap, revealing that the median wealth of women-headed households is 45% lower than those headed by men. This highlights the complexity of the financial landscape and the need for continued efforts to address gender-based wealth disparities.