Millennials Are Choosing Houston
August 4, 2026
August 4, 2026
Houston and its surrounding communities continue to attract millennials, and a recent national housing report shows the region is now among the top destinations for young homebuyers.
Over the past five years, millennial homeownership in the Houston area has surged, nearly doubling since 2018. The number of millennial homeowners in Houston increased from 227,365 to 418,698 households between 2018 and 2023, representing an impressive 84.2% increase. The report analyzed homeownership and rental trends among millennials—defined as those born between 1981 and 1996—across 107 metropolitan areas in the United States.
Houston ranked No. 29 among U.S. metros with the largest growth in millennial homeowners. Today, about 49% of millennials in the Houston area own their homes, while 51% continue to rent. The city also ranked No. 22 for growth in millennial renters. During the same five-year period, the number of millennial renter households rose from 397,410 to 439,371, a 10.6% increase.
Nationwide, approximately 5.3 million millennials became homeowners over the last five years, increasing the total number of millennial-owned households by 74% to 12.4 million. By comparison, the number of millennial renter households grew by just 5%, reaching 12.6 million. While millennial homeownership continues to rise, Gen Z has not experienced the same trend. In Houston, fewer than 15% of Gen Z households own a home, with the majority remaining renters.
Elsewhere in Texas, Austin ranked No. 7 and San Antonio ranked No. 10 among the metropolitan areas with the strongest growth in millennial homeownership.
Top 10 U.S. metros for growth in millennial homeowners:
Whether you're a first-time buyer, relocating for a new career, or searching for a community that offers both value and opportunity, Houston's housing market continues to provide compelling reasons to make the move. With expanding neighborhoods, strong economic fundamentals, and an attractive mix of affordability and lifestyle, the region is well-positioned to remain a top choice for the next generation of homeowners.
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As part of CB&A, Real Estate Agent, the Hurley Homes Realty Group consists of dedicated full-time agents assisting families with buying, selling, renting, and investing in Houston properties. Whether you're considering a home purchase or sale in Houston, I'm here to talk! Connect with me today for a personalized consultation.