How many Americans own their homes outright?

A record number of Americans own their homes outright, with recent U.S. Census Bureau data (late 2025 analysis) showing around 40.3% of U.S. homeowners have no mortgage, marking the highest share ever and representing over 30 million properties. This figure has grown from about 33% in 2010, with factors like increased home values and a focus on debt reduction contributing to more Americans paying off their mortgages early.

What percentage of Americans own a paid-off house?

Key Details: According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, 40.3% of U.S. homeowners are mortgage-free, up from 39.8% in 2023 and 32.8% in 2010, and the highest share on record in this data series. 54% of the 35 million mortgage-free households are 65 or older. 64% of homeowners aged 65+ own their homes outright.

What percentage of people buy a house outright?

There's great news for America's homeowners: A growing percentage now own their homes outright. No mortgage, no liens. As of 2024, about 38.8% of owner-occupied homes in the United States are owned outright, meaning they no longer have mortgages to pay, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How many Americans are 100% debt free?

Around 23% of Americans are debt free, according to the most recent data available from the Federal Reserve.

How many Americans have $20,000 in credit card debt?

A majority of Americans (53%) carry some, with an average balance of $7,719. However, a third of those carrying debt (32%) owe $10,000 or more, while almost 1 in 10 (9%) have credit card debt over $20,000.

How Many People Own Their Home Outright (Property Outright)

Is being debt-free the new rich?

Yes, for many people, being debt-free feels like the new rich because it provides immense financial freedom, peace of mind, and security, even if it doesn't mean having millions in the bank; it shifts the definition of wealth from pure income to a lack of financial burdens, allowing for more saving, investing, and enjoying life without stress. While traditional wealth is assets minus liabilities, eliminating debt frees up income for wealth-building, making it a significant step towards financial well-being and independence, especially as many struggle with rising costs and stagnant wages. 

What percentage of people have no mortgage?

Around 40% of U.S. homeowners own their homes outright (mortgage-free), a record high, driven largely by an aging population and significant home equity, with older Americans (65+) making up over half of these households. This trend varies by location, with some states and metros having much higher rates (like West Virginia at 55%) and others lower (like D.C. at 26%).
 

What is a good debt-to-income ratio?

A good debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is generally 36% or less, showing lenders you can manage payments, with lower being better for better loan terms. Ratios between 36-41% are often acceptable, while over 43% can make qualifying for a mortgage harder, though FHA loans can sometimes allow up to 50% with strong credit/reserves. 

Do most retirees have their house paid off?

According to KFF, among Medicare beneficiaries, the median per-capita home equity rises from $134,450 for those aged 65 to 74 to $179,700 for those aged 85 and older.4 That trajectory makes sense: older homeowners are more likely to own their homes outright, whereas younger retirees might still be paying off a mortgage ...

What salary to afford a $400,000 house?

To afford a $400k house, you generally need an annual income between $90,000 and $135,000, though this varies by interest rates, down payment, and debt, with lenders often looking for housing costs under 28% of your gross income (28/36 rule). A lower income might suffice with a large down payment or higher interest, while more debt requires a higher income, potentially pushing the need to over $100k-$120k+ annually. 

How many Americans have $10,000 in savings?

Here's the data: - A 2023 YouGov survey (updated in 2024 analyses) found that about 57% of Americans have less than $10,000 in savings: 27% have under $1,000, 18% have $1,000–$9,999, 12% have $0, and 17% didn't disclose (often a proxy for low/no savings).

Do most people retire without a mortgage?

Over the past three decades, the share of homeowners ages 65 to 79 with a mortgage rose from 24% to 41%. More older adults are entering retirement in debt — including mortgage debt. Mortgages make up about 70% of household balances.

What age do most people have their mortgage paid off?

The average age to pay off a mortgage in the U.S. is around 62 to 64, aligning with retirement age, but this is shifting as more people, especially first-time buyers, take on longer loans, meaning many now carry debt into their 60s and even 70s. While aiming to be debt-free by retirement (early to mid-60s) is a common goal for reduced expenses, current trends show increased numbers of older adults with mortgages, often due to longer terms or higher home prices. 

Do celebrities take out mortgages?

“It surprises many people, but it's actually quite common for the mega-wealthy to take out mortgages—even when they could write a check for the full purchase price,” Evan Harlow, real estate agent at Maui Elite Property, told Fortune.

How much salary to afford a $500,000 mortgage?

To afford a $500,000 house, you typically need an annual income between $125,000 to $160,000, which translates to a gross monthly income of approximately $10,417 to $13,333, depending on your financial situation, down payment, credit score, and current market conditions.

How many people have $20,000 in credit card debt?

While exact real-time figures vary, surveys from 2021 and 2025 suggest around 1 in 5 Americans (about 18-20%) who carry credit card balances have over $20,000 in debt, with some studies indicating higher percentages (like 12% with $25k+) in recent years, highlighting a significant portion of consumers struggling with substantial credit card debt, often exacerbated by inflation. 

What credit score do you need for a $400,000 house?

Credit Score

When applying for a $400,000 home, lenders evaluate your credit scores to determine eligibility and the rates you'll receive: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates. 660-699: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.

What percentage of Americans are 100% debt free?

Federal Reserve data shows that about 23% of Americans have no debt. Striving to live without debt is admirable, but having debt isn't automatically bad. For example, a mortgage is a significant debt, but you're building equity in an asset that's likely to appreciate over time.

What does Suze Orman say about paying off your mortgage early?

Personal finance guru Suze Orman says it depends. While the possibility of job loss can trigger financial panic, Orman advises against rushing to drain your savings to pay off your mortgage early. Even if you have enough money saved to wipe out your mortgage, don't pull the emergency cord until absolutely necessary.

How many people actually pay off their mortgage?

Over 40% of U.S. homeowners now own their homes mortgage-free, a new record, with numbers increasing due to aging populations and demographic shifts, though older Americans (65+) are more likely (around 63%) to be debt-free than younger adults. While many pay off mortgages before or during retirement (around age 63), more seniors are carrying debt, and a significant portion of all homeowners still have mortgages, with some expecting payments well into or beyond retirement. 

What is the 2 2 2 credit rule?

The 2-2-2 credit rule is a guideline for lenders, especially for mortgages, suggesting borrowers should have at least two active credit accounts, open for at least two years, with at least two years of on-time payments, sometimes also requiring a minimum credit limit (like $2,000) for each. It shows lenders you can consistently manage multiple debts, building confidence in your financial responsibility beyond just a high credit score, and helps you qualify for larger loans. 

How does Dave Ramsey say to pay off debt?

How Does the Debt Snowball Method Work?

1. Step 1: List your debts from smallest to largest (regardless of interest rate).
2. Step 2: Make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest debt.
3. Step 3: Throw as much extra money as you can on your smallest debt until it's gone.

What happens after 7 years of not paying debt?

After 7 years of not paying debt, negative marks like late payments, charge-offs, and collections usually fall off your credit report, improving your score, but the actual debt often still exists and collectors can still try to get you to pay, though their ability to sue you depends on your state's statute of limitations (often 3-6 years). The debt becomes "time-barred," meaning they can't legally sue, but they might still contact you, and making a payment or acknowledging the debt can restart the clock.