Size of floor area in new single-family homes in the U.S. 1975-2021

In 2021, the average size of a single-family home built for sale in the United States amounted to 2,485 square feet. Although in the past five years American homes have been shrinking, since 1975, they have almost doubled in size. This trend towards larger homes seems illogical given that the average size of families has shrunk over the same period.

Why are American homes so large?

Homes in the U.S. are among the largest in the world, only surpassed by Australia. There are thought to be several reasons for this, including the concentration of wealth in the country, and the deeply engrained driving culture which means that cheaper land outside city centers is easily accessible.

Where are the largest homes located?

The size of homes also varies regionally, with the largest homes being located in wealthy, urban areas and in the South. Large homes, or McMansions as they’re often called, are especially popular in Texas with Houston leading the pack in 2018.