D
espite the persistent pay gap between men and women, single women are buying homes at a significantly higher rate than their male counterparts. According to an analysis of US Census Bureau data by LendingTree, single women own approximately 2.72 million more homes than single men across the US.

    Nationwide, single women control 11.14 million homes, while single men own only 8.42 million. This translates to a 13.01% share of owner-occupied homes for single women compared to 9.83% for single men. The gap is growing, with an additional 15,000 homes being added to the total in favor of women between 2022 and 2023.

    In most states, single women outpace single men in homeownership rates, with New Mexico, Mississippi, and West Virginia boasting the highest percentages of homes owned by single women. Conversely, men have a slight edge in just three states: North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska.

    Experts suggest that women are more willing to make financial sacrifices to become homeowners, prioritizing this goal over other expenses. Additionally, millennial women in certain cities out-earn their male counterparts, making it easier for them to afford homes. However, age also plays a role, as many single female homeowners are widows who have inherited or purchased new homes after the death of a spouse.

    LendingTree's Chief Credit Analyst, Matt Schulz, notes that the findings are "pretty eye-opening" given the economic headwinds faced by women in the US. He attributes the disparity to the sacrifices made by many women to achieve financial stability and suggests that women may be more willing to prioritize homeownership over other expenses.

    While single women lead in homeownership rates, they still face long-term economic struggles at higher rates than men, particularly after divorce. Research suggests that many women experience a significant financial decline post-divorce, despite potentially receiving a larger share of assets in settlements.