One way Californians cope with pricey housing is by squeezing more than the typical number of people into their living spaces.
My trusty spreadsheet identified this affordability twist by analyzing 2024 Census Bureau housing details for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. These latest figures detail how many people live in the average housing unit and how much they pay.
Let’s start with renters. Last year, California had 2.63 people living in the average rental. That’s 21% above the 2.17 nationwide average.
Only Hawaii had more densely populated rentals with 2.64 residents. No. 3 was Nevada at 2.47, followed by Utah at 2.44, and Florida at 2.43. Texas was No. 8 at 2.35.
The fewest folks per rental were in Vermont at 1.79, Maine at 1.82, North Dakota at 1.83, D.C. at 1.86, and South Dakota at 1.9.
It’s not much of a surprise when California’s median costs for all renters ran $2,104 a month – that’s 60% above the nation’s $1,319 and the largest expense among the states. Plus, 27% pay 50% or more of their incomes for rent.
But don’t forget other contributors to density in all forms of housing include younger populations (think children), size of residences (think apartments vs. houses), locale (think urban vs. rural living) and cultural preferences (think multigenerational arrangements).
Next, ponder how many people live in a home they own. Last year, the average California owner had 2.92 people in their residence, the third-highest density among the states and 15% above the nation’s 2.54 residents per unit.
Only Utah, at 3.11 people per unit, and Hawaii, at 2.98, topped California. No. 4 was Texas at 2.87, followed by Alaska and New Jersey at 2.77. Florida was No. 25 at 2.54.
The lowest density homeownership was found in Washington, D.C., with 2.24 people per unit, then Vermont at 2.33, Wyoming at 2.34, and Maine at 2.36.
The typical Californian homeowner pays an estimated $2,280 monthly – No. 2 among the states and 70% above the $1,340 national norm – with 15% paying 50% or more of their incomes toward housing costs.
When you combine renters and owners, you see the average California residence had 2.79 people living there in 2024. That’s the third highest among the states and 16% above the nation’s 2.41.
Utah is No. 1 for dense homeownership at 2.91 people per unit, then Hawaii at 2.85. No. 4 is Texas at 2.67, and No. 5 is New Jersey at 2.63. Florida is No. 11 at 2.50.
Lows? DC at 2.02, North Dakota at 2.18, Vermont at 2.19, Maine at 2.22, and Wyoming at 2.24.
Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com
