Reference guide

Downsizing and aging in place statistics.

Current U.S. figures on the housing decisions, preferences, and pressures shaping later-life transitions. Updated October 28, 2026.

Browse the statistics ↓See sources ↓

What these figures show

Most people want continuity, even when a home needs to change.

Downsizing is rarely only about square footage. The data points to a broader decision: how to protect independence, finances, familiar relationships, and a sense of home as needs evolve.

57.8M

Americans were age 65 or older in 2022

That was a 34% increase from 2012. The population age 65 and older is projected to reach 78.3 million by 2040.

Source: Administration for Community Living, 2023 Profile of Older Americans ↗Published May 2024, using 2022 and 2023 source data

78.5%

of householders age 65 or older owned their home in 2023

It was the highest homeownership rate of any age group in the Census Bureau's 2023 estimate.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Housing Availability and Affordability: 2023 ↗Published 2025, using 2023 American Community Survey estimates

75%

of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their current home as they age

In the same national survey, 73% said they want to remain in their current community.

Source: AARP, 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey ↗Published December 2024, survey fielded June to July 2024

44%

of adults age 50 and older expect to relocate at some point

A planned move is part of the picture even when the preference is to stay close to home.

Source: AARP, 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey ↗Published December 2024, survey fielded June to July 2024

34%

of older households were cost burdened by housing in 2023

The measure counts households paying more than 30% of income for housing.

Source: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, One in Three Older Households Is Cost Burdened ↗Published 2025, using 2023 American Community Survey data

16.2M

older adults living in the community lived alone in 2023

That is about 28% of adults age 65 and older living in the community, including 33% of older women.

Source: Administration for Community Living, 2023 Profile of Older Americans ↗Published May 2024, using 2022 and 2023 source data

of adults age 65 and older moved from 2021 to 2022

Among older movers, 53% stayed in the same county, which reinforces the value of planning for a transition that keeps community ties intact.

Source: Administration for Community Living, 2023 Profile of Older Americans ↗Published May 2024, using 2022 and 2023 source data

Methodology and sources

Built from public research, with the dates left visible.

Each figure above is drawn from the named primary source or research institution and reflects that source's stated period. This page does not estimate local results or predict what any household should do.

Administration for Community Living, 2023 Profile of Older Americans ↗
Published May 2024, using 2022 and 2023 source data
U.S. Census Bureau, Housing Availability and Affordability: 2023 ↗
Published 2025, using 2023 American Community Survey estimates
AARP, 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey ↗
Published December 2024, survey fielded June to July 2024
Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, One in Three Older Households Is Cost Burdened ↗
Published 2025, using 2023 American Community Survey data

Cite this page

“Downsizing and Aging in Place Statistics,” The Downsizing Navigator, updated October 28, 2026, downsizingnavigator.com/downsizing-statistics.

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