A Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America

This report looks at homeownership trends, mortgage market and affordability by race, and home buyer demographics from the 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, home buyers and fair housing. Some findings include:

  • Black/African-American home buyers reported the highest share of student loan debt at 41%, with a median amount of $45,000.
  • 19% of Hispanic/Latinos, and 18% of Asian/Pacific Islanders and Black/African-Americans purchased multi-generational homes. They primarily purchased a multi-generational home to spend more time with aging parents, health/caretaking of aging parents/relatives, wanting a larger home that multiple incomes could afford together, and cost savings. The share of multi-generational buyers was 10% among White/Caucasian buyers.
  • 21% of Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 11% of Hispanic/Latino buyers used a gift from relative or friend towards their down payment for their home.