Home › Learn › Average Square Footage of a House in the U.S. (Latest Data)
Part of: How to Measure Square Footage: The Complete Guide
Average Square Footage of a House in the U.S. (Latest Data)
The median new single-family home completed in the US in 2025 had 2,142 square feet, and the average occupied home of any type had 1,845 square feet in 2024. Region, year built and home type all move the number. Here's what the data shows and what it means for appraisers and buyers.
Measure Your Floor Plan in Minutes
Upload a plan, set the scale with one known wall, and measure anything: wall lengths, room areas, and total size. Try the free demo, then measure your own plan for $9. No signup required.
Upload Floor PlanData sources: U.S. Census Bureau (new homes, 2025), U.S. Energy Information Administration (all homes, 2024 preliminary) and Realtor.com (listings, August 2026). More figures on our home size statistics page.
Quick Answer: U.S. Home Size at a Glance
- Median new single-family home (2025): 2,142 sq ft
- Average new single-family home (2025): 2,378 sq ft
- Average of all occupied homes (2024): 1,845 sq ft
- Median home listed for sale (August 2026): 1,833 sq ft
- Trend: the new-home median peaked at 2,467 sq ft in 2015
| Home type / region | Sq ft | Measure and source |
|---|---|---|
| New single-family home completed (2025) | 2,142 | Median, U.S. Census Bureau |
| New single-family home sold (2025) | 2,194 | Median, U.S. Census Bureau |
| All occupied homes (2024) | 1,845 | Average, EIA (includes basements) |
| Single-family detached, existing (2024) | 2,313 | Average, EIA |
| New condo / multifamily unit built for sale (2025) | 1,170 | Median, U.S. Census Bureau |
| Northeast, all homes (2024) | 1,815 | Average, EIA |
| Midwest, all homes (2024) | 2,003 | Average, EIA |
| South, all homes (2024) | 1,863 | Average, EIA |
| West, all homes (2024) | 1,684 | Average, EIA |
The national figures: 2,142 sq ft new, 1,845 sq ft for all homes
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Characteristics of New Housing, the median new single-family home completed in 2025 had 2,142 square feet and the average had 2,378. Homes sold in 2025, a slightly different group, had a median of 2,194 square feet.
The existing housing stock skews smaller. The U.S. Energy Information Administration puts the average across all 132.54 million occupied homes, including apartments and mobile homes, at 1,845 square feet in 2024. That figure is reported by residents and includes basements, so it is not the same as appraised gross living area.
For appraisers, the relevant comparison is not the national average but the local market. What counts as a "typical" size in rural Mississippi differs substantially from what's typical in San Francisco or suburban Dallas. The national average is useful context; the neighborhood median is what drives comparable size adjustments.
- Median new single-family home (2025): 2,142 sq ft
- Average new single-family home (2025): 2,378 sq ft
- Average of all occupied homes (2024): 1,845 sq ft
- Trend: the new-home median peaked at 2,467 sq ft in 2015 and the average at 2,687 sq ft
How average home size has changed over time
Census data on new single-family homes starts in 1973, when the median home completed had 1,525 square feet. The median reached 2,000 sq ft in 1998 and peaked at 2,467 sq ft in 2015, while the average peaked at 2,687 sq ft the same year.
Since 2015, new home sizes have declined, reaching a 2,142 sq ft median in 2025. Rising construction costs and affordability pressures have pushed builders toward smaller footprints.
For appraisers, this historical trend matters when selecting comparables. A 2010 colonial at 3,200 sq ft was larger than roughly three-quarters of new homes completed that year. Size adjustments should reflect what was normal for the submarket and age cohort.
Median new home size by year
Median size of new single-family homes completed, from the U.S. Census Bureau's historical Characteristics of New Housing tables (figures before 1999 are rounded to the nearest 5 sq ft by Census).
| Year | Median sq ft | Average sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | 1,525 | 1,660 |
| 1980 | 1,595 | 1,740 |
| 1990 | 1,905 | 2,080 |
| 2000 | 2,057 | 2,266 |
| 2010 | 2,169 | 2,392 |
| 2015 (peak) | 2,467 | 2,687 |
| 2020 | 2,261 | 2,480 |
| 2025 | 2,142 | 2,378 |
Regional variation: size differs by location
For new single-family homes completed in 2025, the Census Bureau reports these regional medians:
- Northeast: 2,459 sq ft
- South: 2,162 sq ft
- West: 2,090 sq ft
- Midwest: 1,969 sq ft
The existing stock tells a different story. Across all occupied homes, EIA's 2024 survey puts the Midwest highest at 2,003 sq ft, followed by the South (1,863), the Northeast (1,815) and the West (1,684). Basements, which EIA counts, are far more common in the Northeast and Midwest.
Average square footage of a house by state
State averages below come from EIA's 2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey state table (preliminary, March 2026). They cover all occupied primary homes, including apartments and mobile homes, and include basements. Washington, DC is included, so the ranking runs to 51. The full ranking with more context is on our average home size by state page.
| Rank | State | Average sq ft (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | 2,244 sq ft |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 2,209 sq ft |
| 3 | North Dakota | 2,158 sq ft |
| 4 | Georgia | 2,128 sq ft |
| 5 | Iowa | 2,126 sq ft |
| 6 | Delaware | 2,080 sq ft |
| 7 | Maryland | 2,056 sq ft |
| 8 | Michigan | 2,051 sq ft |
| 9 | Virginia | 2,049 sq ft |
| 10 | South Dakota | 2,043 sq ft |
| 11 | Vermont | 2,036 sq ft |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 2,033 sq ft |
| 13 | Indiana | 2,029 sq ft |
| 14 | Missouri | 2,029 sq ft |
| 15 | Nebraska | 2,022 sq ft |
| 16 | Connecticut | 1,994 sq ft |
| 17 | Illinois | 1,989 sq ft |
| 18 | Colorado | 1,987 sq ft |
| 19 | Minnesota | 1,980 sq ft |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,977 sq ft |
| 21 | Wyoming | 1,977 sq ft |
| 22 | Wisconsin | 1,975 sq ft |
| 23 | North Carolina | 1,969 sq ft |
| 24 | Kentucky | 1,962 sq ft |
| 25 | Alabama | 1,959 sq ft |
| 26 | Maine | 1,957 sq ft |
| 27 | Montana | 1,951 sq ft |
| 28 | Idaho | 1,948 sq ft |
| 29 | Ohio | 1,942 sq ft |
| 30 | Kansas | 1,935 sq ft |
| 31 | South Carolina | 1,881 sq ft |
| 32 | Tennessee | 1,860 sq ft |
| 33 | Mississippi | 1,844 sq ft |
| 34 | Louisiana | 1,839 sq ft |
| 35 | Massachusetts | 1,834 sq ft |
| 36 | New Jersey | 1,801 sq ft |
| 37 | Arkansas | 1,791 sq ft |
| 38 | Texas | 1,791 sq ft |
| 39 | Rhode Island | 1,783 sq ft |
| 40 | Washington | 1,770 sq ft |
| 41 | Arizona | 1,768 sq ft |
| 42 | Alaska | 1,731 sq ft |
| 43 | Nevada | 1,705 sq ft |
| 44 | Oklahoma | 1,700 sq ft |
| 45 | Florida | 1,664 sq ft |
| 46 | Oregon | 1,615 sq ft |
| 47 | New Mexico | 1,603 sq ft |
| 48 | New York | 1,585 sq ft |
| 49 | California | 1,538 sq ft |
| 50 | Hawaii | 1,352 sq ft |
| 51 | District of Columbia | 1,224 sq ft |
- Largest homes: Utah (2,244 sq ft), New Hampshire (2,209 sq ft), North Dakota (2,158 sq ft)
- Smallest homes: Washington, DC (1,224 sq ft), Hawaii (1,352 sq ft), California (1,538 sq ft)
- Range: Utah's average is about 1,000 sq ft larger than DC's
Average size by home type
Across all occupied homes, EIA's 2024 survey puts the average at 2,313 sq ft for single-family detached homes, 1,624 sq ft for single-family attached homes, 1,213 sq ft for mobile homes, 918 sq ft for apartments in buildings with five or more units and 887 sq ft for apartments in two- to four-unit buildings.
Single-family detached
The largest category. New single-family homes completed in 2025 had a median of 2,142 sq ft (Census). Existing detached homes averaged 2,313 sq ft in 2024 (EIA), a figure that includes basements.
Townhouses
Single-family attached homes, which include townhouses, averaged 1,624 sq ft in 2024 (EIA). The per-floor footprint is constrained by the attached-wall configuration. Measurement for townhouses follows its own rules, see the townhouse square footage appraisal guide for details.
Condominiums
New multifamily units built for sale, such as condos, had a median of 1,170 sq ft in 2025, compared with 1,000 sq ft for units built for rent (Census). The measurement method for condos differs from single-family, see condo square footage measurement for how appraisers handle it.
Manufactured homes
New manufactured homes averaged 1,471 sq ft in 2025. Single-section homes averaged 1,073 sq ft and double-section homes 1,766 sq ft (Census Manufactured Housing Survey). See also: how modular home square footage is measured in appraisals.
What "average" means for an appraisal
In a residential appraisal, an appraiser isn't comparing your home to national averages, they're comparing it to recent sales in the immediate market area, typically within a half mile to a few miles and within the past 6 to 12 months. A 1,500 sq ft home in a neighborhood where the median is 1,400 sq ft is above average for that market. The same home in a neighborhood of 2,400 sq ft homes is small.
Size adjustments in the sales comparison approach are calibrated to local market data, how much buyers in that zip code actually pay per additional square foot. This number varies dramatically by market. For more on how those adjustments work, see the post on comparable square footage adjustments.
Knowing where your home sits relative to typical size in your market is more actionable than knowing the national average. If your home is significantly larger than comparable sales, the appraiser may struggle to find true comparables and may apply size adjustments that compress the per-square-foot value for the excess area.
How square footage is counted in these statistics
The Census Bureau's home size figures are based on builder-reported data from construction surveys. These figures typically reflect finished above-grade space, excluding garages, but the exact methodology has varied over time. They are not independently verified measurements and do not follow ANSI Z765 precisely. (For more on who is responsible for verifying square footage, see our breakdown.)
This means national averages are best treated as directional indicators, not precise benchmarks. The Census figure for your region's "average" might include or exclude different things than what an appraiser would calculate as GLA on the same home.
More guides on measuring square footage:
- How to Measure a Room's Square Footage
- How to Measure Multi-Story Home Square Footage
- How to Measure Condo Square Footage
- Does Square Footage Include Walls?
- Measuring Square Footage for a Building Permit
- Square Footage: The Complete Guide
- Gross Building Area vs. Gross Living Area
- Net Livable Area vs. Gross Living Area
- Average Home Size by State
- How Much Square Footage Per Person Is Normal?
- Tiny House Square Footage Rules: GLA, Codes, and Financing
- How Big Is a 1,500 Square Foot House?
- How Big Is a 2,000 Square Foot House?
- How Big Is a 2,500 Square Foot House?
- How Big Is a 3,000 Square Foot House?
Use our free calculator to find the price per square foot for any home, or work backward from a $/sqft rate to estimate total value.
Open Price Per Sqft Calculator →Measure Your Floor Plan in Minutes
Upload a plan, set the scale with one known wall, and measure anything: wall lengths, room areas, and total size. Try the free demo, then measure your own plan for $9. No signup required.
Upload Floor PlanFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average square footage of a new home in the U.S.?
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median size of a new single-family home completed in 2025 was 2,142 square feet. The average (mean) was higher at 2,378 sq ft because a minority of very large homes pulls it up.
Has average home size increased over time?
Yes, until 2015. The median new single-family home grew from 1,525 sq ft in 1973 to a peak of 2,467 sq ft in 2015, according to the Census Bureau. It has declined since, to 2,142 sq ft in 2025, as construction costs rose and affordability worsened.
What is the average square footage of a home by state?
In EIA's 2024 survey of all occupied homes, Utah had the largest average at 2,244 sq ft and Washington, DC the smallest at 1,224 sq ft, followed by Hawaii at 1,352 sq ft. The national average was 1,845 sq ft.
Is 2,000 square feet a big house?
2,000 sq ft is a little below the median for new single-family construction (2,142 sq ft in 2025) but above the 1,845 sq ft average for all occupied homes in 2024. Whether it feels big depends on family size and local norms.
What is the average square footage of a house per person?
EIA puts the average at 782 sq ft per household member across all US homes in 2024. One-person households averaged 1,502 sq ft, while households of six or more averaged 318 sq ft per person.
Do smaller homes sell faster than larger homes?
Not necessarily. Days on market depends more on price, condition, location, and local inventory than on size alone. In high-cost markets, smaller homes often move faster because they are more affordable. In family-oriented suburban markets, larger homes with 4+ bedrooms may see the strongest demand.
What square footage is considered a starter home?
There is no official size cutoff. A starter home is defined by price point, not size, so it varies widely by market: in expensive coastal areas it may be a small condo, while in lower-cost regions it is more often a modest single-family house.
How does home square footage affect property taxes?
Property taxes are based on assessed value, not square footage directly. However, square footage is a major input into assessed value calculations. A larger home typically has a higher assessed value and therefore higher taxes. In many jurisdictions, the assessor uses a cost-per-square-foot multiplier adjusted for age, condition, and location to estimate replacement value.
Related Resources
- Average Home Size by State: Square Footage Rankings
- Average Kitchen Square Footage: What Is Normal?
- Average Bedroom Square Footage: What Is Normal?
- Average Bathroom Square Footage: Full Bath, Half Bath, Primary Suite
- Average Living Room Square Footage: What Is Normal?
- How Big Is a 1,500 Square Foot House? Room Breakdown
- How to Find Square Footage of a House Online: 5 Reliable Sources
- How Big Is a 2,000 Square Foot House? Room Breakdown + Visuals
- How Big Is a 2,500 Square Foot House? Room Breakdown
- How Big Is a 3,000 Square Foot House? Room Breakdown
- New Construction Square Footage Appraisal: How GLA Is Measured Before Completion
- Cost Per Square Foot to Build a House: National Averages and What Drives Cost
- Two-Bedroom House Square Footage: Average Sizes and What to Expect
- Three-Bedroom House Square Footage: Average Sizes by Type and Era
- The Complete Guide to Home Square Footage: Measurement, Appraisal, and Value
- Square Footage Per Person: How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
- Minimum Square Footage Per Bedroom: Code Requirements and Appraisal Rules
- Open Floor Plan Square Footage: How Open Layouts Affect GLA and Appraisals
- Closet Square Footage in Appraisals: Does It Count as GLA?
- Floor Plan Measurement Tool: Calculate Square Footage from Any Floor Plan
- Square Footage and Property Taxes: How Size Affects Your Tax Bill
- Home Office Square Footage Tax Deduction: IRS Rules and How to Calculate It
- How Many Square Feet in an Acre? 43,560 Sq Ft Explained
- Home Insurance Square Footage: How Insurers Use Size to Set Premiums
- Price Per Square Foot in Real Estate: How to Use It and Where It Falls Short
- How to Calculate Price Per Square Foot: Formula, Examples, and Pitfalls
- Lot Size vs. Square Footage: What's the Difference?
- FAQ: How Does Square Footage Affect Home Value?
- FAQ: Why Is the Appraisal Square Footage Different from the Listing?
- Listing Square Footage Accuracy: Who Is Responsible and Why It Matters
- FAQ: What Counts as GLA in a Real Estate Appraisal?
- Zillow vs Redfin Square Footage Accuracy: Which Is More Reliable?
- Is Zillow Square Footage Accurate? Why It Often Isn't
- Is Redfin Square Footage Accurate? Where the Data Comes From
- GLA vs Total Square Footage: What Is the Difference?
- Furniture Floor Plan: How to Use One to Verify Room Square Footage
- Minimum Square Footage for a Mortgage: FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional Rules
- FHA Square Footage Requirements: Minimum Size and GLA Rules
- How to Add Square Footage to a Home: Additions, Conversions, and Permits
- Construction Takeoff Software: Best Tools for Measuring Plans
- Digital Takeoff Software: How It Works and What to Use
- Takeoff Estimating Software: Choosing the Right Tool