Buying a home before age 35 might sound impossible, especially with soaring prices and inflation. Yet, surprisingly, thousands of young Americans are making it happen and not always in the places you’d expect. A recent study highlights the states where young homeowners have found the sweet spot of affordability, steady incomes, and stable local economies. Curious about where your peers are ditching rentals for a front porch and backyard barbecue? These are the top 10 American states boasting the most young homeowners in 2025.
1. Minnesota
Minnesota tops the list with 50.8% of residents under 35 owning homes, proving the state’s not just about snow and lakes. With a median home price around $323,400 and average incomes nearing $94,870 for adults aged 25–44, young Minnesotans enjoy a solid blend of affordability and strong job prospects. Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul offer urban living minus the sky-high costs, attracting younger generations keen on settling down early and building equity sooner rather than later.
2. West Virginia
Almost half (49.9%) of West Virginia’s younger crowd owns a home, largely thanks to incredibly low home prices averaging just $158,255. Coupled with a median income around $64,760, the state offers a surprisingly attractive opportunity to young adults seeking financial stability. It’s not just about affordability; West Virginia’s charming towns and outdoor attractions appeal to a generation rediscovering small-town vibes and natural beauty far from the bustling coastal cities.
3. Michigan
Michigan boasts a 49.3% homeownership rate among residents under 35. Affordable housing, with median prices around $236,678 and stable average incomes of about $75,980, makes the state ideal for young professionals and families. Beyond Detroit’s comeback story, places like Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor offer thriving cultural scenes, vibrant neighborhoods, and promising career paths. Millennials and Gen Z find Michigan appealing for both lifestyle and long-term financial gains.
4. Mississippi
Mississippi surprises many with a 49.2% homeownership rate among younger adults. Home prices averaging only $174,275, the second-lowest nationwide, and incomes around $58,640 make ownership attainable even early in one’s career. For young buyers who dream of a slower pace without sacrificing community spirit, Mississippi provides just that. Cities like Jackson and Biloxi offer affordable charm, creating opportunities to invest early in life without massive debt.
5. Alabama
In Alabama, 49.1% of younger residents already own homes, benefiting from housing costs averaging $222,524 and an income near $65,650. Affordable prices combined with the state’s growing economy have enabled many young residents to make their homeownership dreams a reality. With booming cities like Huntsville rapidly gaining popularity among young professionals in tech and aerospace, Alabama provides ample reason for millennials to put down roots early.
6. South Carolina
South Carolina, with 48.0% young homeownership, combines coastal charm with realistic housing costs averaging $292,567 and incomes around $72,090. Charleston and Greenville offer vibrant lifestyles at affordable prices, attracting younger adults seeking both quality of life and economic opportunity. The state’s steady growth in industries like manufacturing, tourism, and technology makes it easier for young people to become homeowners early.
7. Indiana
Indiana’s young homeownership rate stands at 47.0%, driven by affordability, with home prices averaging around $231,691 and decent incomes of about $76,730. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Bloomington offer city amenities without astronomical price tags, allowing young homeowners to invest in their futures comfortably. Millennials appreciate Indiana’s laid-back charm paired with economic stability, making homeownership not just a possibility but an attractive choice.
8. Kentucky
Kentucky follows closely, with a young homeownership rate of 46.9%. Affordable homes priced around $201,708 and incomes averaging $69,080 help many younger Kentuckians purchase their first homes. Cities like Louisville and Lexington boast vibrant communities, attractive downtowns, and cultural events that appeal to young adults, making the Bluegrass State both inviting and financially practical for younger generations investing in property.
9. Delaware
Delaware, known for its beaches and no sales tax, sees a youth homeownership rate of 46.5%. With median homes priced around $375,056 and relatively high average incomes of approximately $90,170, the state provides a unique balance between affordability and lifestyle. Young adults are increasingly attracted to the state’s accessible coastal living and proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., enhancing Delaware’s appeal for early homeownership.
10. Utah
Despite high home prices averaging around $508,930, Utah achieves a youthful homeowner rate of 46.1% thanks to notably high median incomes of about $95,210. The state’s robust job market, particularly in tech hubs around Salt Lake City and Provo, attracts young professionals earning enough to offset steeper prices. Coupled with Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities and vibrant cultural scenes, it’s easy to see why younger adults choose homeownership here.
