What is the average house size in U.S.?

When buying a house, the total square footage is crucial. In fact, home size matters in various ways beyond just the price tag. The amount of living space you have influences your lifestyle, maintenance costs, heating and cooling expenses, property taxes, and insurance premiums. So, what is the average house size in U.S.? 

American homes vary greatly in size across different states, with some having significantly larger homes than the national average. Interestingly, there’s a pattern where states with lower median real estate prices tend to have larger median home sizes, and vice versa.

Understanding the average square footage of houses today and its associated costs is essential when making housing decisions.

What is the average house size in U.S.?

Over time, American homes have consistently grown larger. The average size of a new single-family home has nearly tripled over the past 75 years. In 1949, homes averaged 909 square feet, while by 2021, they reached an average of 2,299 to 2,500 square feet.

This increase can be attributed to several factors. After World War II, there was a suburban migration, leading to larger homes with access to more land and reduced population density compared to urban areas. 

For this reason, newer homes tend to be larger than older ones. In 2022, the median size of newly built single-family homes indicates a further shift towards larger floor plans compared to smaller, older homes. This is validated by the American Home Size Index.

In 2022, the Census Bureau reported that over a million single-family homes were built in the United States, with a median square footage surpassing 2,000 square feet. Of course, this sizable space comes with its own set of responsibilities and expenses. All of which we will discuss below. 

How to calculate the total square footage of a house?

To calculate the square footage of a house, you need to measure each room’s length and width. Start by drawing a floor plan or sketch of the house, then measure each room’s length and width in feet using a tape measure. Multiply the length by the width of each room to find its area in square feet. Now, add up the areas of all the rooms. This will give you the total square footage of the house.

Remember to include any additional spaces such as closets, hallways, or staircases in your measurements. For irregularly shaped rooms, break them down into smaller rectangles or squares and calculate each section separately. Finally, subtract any non-livable areas such as garages or unfinished basements from the total square footage.

In most cases, basements are not counted in square footage calculations, whether they’re finished or not. This is because they’re below ground level, which doesn’t meet the code for living space. However, in some states, basements can be included if they meet specific criteria for entry and exit points.

What is the home size trend in U.S. states?

States with the smallest homes are typically found on the East and West Coasts and in the Midwest. Hawaii, New York, and Iowa boast the smallest average home sizes. On the other hand, states with the largest homes, such as Utah and Colorado, are often located in the Mountain West region. Residents in these areas tend to have higher incomes and more reasonable costs per square foot. 

Coastal states tend to have higher costs per square foot due to denser populations, older housing stock, and the appeal of coastal living with better weather and recreational opportunities. Overall, there’s an inverse relationship between a region’s real estate median price and the median home size.

How to calculate home cost per square foot?

The price per square foot of a home is calculated by dividing its listing price by its total square footage. 

Price per square foot = Listing price/Total square footage

​Many online listing sites automatically provide this information, simplifying the process for potential home buyers. 

Comparing this figure among similar homes in the neighborhood can offer insights into relative pricing but should be considered alongside other factors such as upgrades or features. Ultimately, while price per square foot helps gauge space relative to cost, it’s just one aspect to consider when assessing a home’s value.

Read more: What is the FHFA house price index

How to determine how much house you can afford?

Your ability to afford a house depends on your current circumstances. While you may be preapproved for a loan amount, it’s essential to consider whether you’re comfortable allocating that much of your monthly income to your mortgage payment or not.

To assess your affordability, consider your lifestyle choices, such as dining out frequency, travel habits, and other expenses. Be mindful of not making yourself uncomfortable financially.

What should be the ideal square footage to buy?

It’s important to determine the right house size for you and your family. 

When considering how much and what type of house to buy, it’s essential to think beyond affordability and assess your specific needs and preferences.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before making any decision so that it suits your lifestyle.

• How long do you plan to live in the home? If it’s a long-term commitment, you might want to accommodate future possibilities. But if you’re uncertain, a smaller starter home could be more practical.
• Do you have or are planning to have children soon? You need to prioritize factors such as living space, school quality, and family-friendly neighborhoods when deciding where to buy a home. 
• Will an elderly parent stay with you? The layout of the home and private space for house guests can be more important than sheer square footage. 
• Will you be aging in place? As you and your partner age, accessibility and layout become crucial. Single-floor layouts or homes with master bedrooms on the main level may be preferable.
• How much outdoor space do you need? Keep in mind that larger yards come with increased maintenance costs and efforts.

Why is the average house size in U.S. bigger than the world average?

Several factors influence the demand for larger homes in the United States housing market. Some of these include:

• Bigger homes offer cost efficiency during construction. Builders find that expanding square footage isn’t significantly more costly. More square footage is an attractive way to enhance perceived value for prospective buyers.
• Many localities have zoning laws and regulations. These often mandate minimum house sizes or lot dimensions. These rules aim to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and control housing density.
• American homebuyers prioritize features such as walk-in closets and en suite bathrooms. These requirements drive the demand for larger homes. 
• Over time, houses have transitioned from being purely homes to investment assets. Larger homes are perceived as having greater resale value potential.

Is there a drawback to owning larger houses?

Buying a house with more square footage may seem appealing, but it comes with several drawbacks to consider. Firstly, larger homes typically incur higher maintenance costs due to the increased need for repairs. Additionally, maintaining a bigger home requires more time and effort for cleaning, especially with more bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Moreover, larger homes are often located farther from urban centers, resulting in longer commutes and higher transportation expenses. From an environmental perspective, bigger homes tend to have a greater carbon footprint and consume more energy, leading to higher utility bills. Furthermore, larger homes may suffer from potential space waste, as size doesn’t always equate to functionality. 

Why may you want to consider smaller home sizes?

Considering a smaller house offers numerous advantages, particularly for young, first-time buyers. They can initiate their journey into homeownership without straining their finances. 

Smaller homes come with tangible financial benefits, including reduced utility bills, lower insurance premiums, and property taxes. 

Additionally, they require less maintenance, both indoors and outdoors, which translates to saved time and effort. With a smaller mortgage, homeowners have greater flexibility in their budget, enabling them to allocate funds towards other aspects of life, such as entertainment, travel, or personal upgrades.

Written by Ramona Sinha. February 5, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.