The Best and Worst Cities for Black Homeownership in America

Black Homeownership: Regional Differences and New Insights

The latest U.S. Census Bureau data highlight important trends in Black homeownership across the country. Our new infographic shows where Black homeownership is strongest and where it continues to lag.

One standout is Port St. Lucie, Florida, which reports a 70% Black homeownership rate, far above the national average. This metro area has seen rapid growth over the past two decades, driven largely by affordable housing and an influx of Black middle-class families from larger urban centers like Miami and the Northeast. Many of these new residents are retirees or working families looking for single-family homes in a quieter, more affordable area. Unlike some high-homeownership metros that are anchored by military bases, Port St. Lucie’s numbers are more about suburban expansion and new development.

Other top-performing areas are concentrated in the Southeast, including metros in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. The South has historically maintained higher Black homeownership rates than other regions. This is partly due to lower housing costs and deeper cultural and family ties to land and property ownership. In places like Charleston and Atlanta, despite ongoing challenges around gentrification and rising prices, large and stable Black middle classes continue to fuel home purchases.

Washington, DC also ranks high for Black homeownership. This is notable given its urban setting, and reflects both a long history of Black homeownership and sustained local efforts to invest in affordable housing and stabilize historically Black neighborhoods.

In contrast, Northern and West Coast cities dominate the lowest-ranking metros. Cities like Milwaukee and Minneapolis have long histories of racial disparities in housing, with redlining and discriminatory lending practices leaving lasting scars. Even today, these barriers persist, making it harder for Black residents to transition from renting to owning.

West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Seattle face a different obstacle: extremely high housing costs. Even when economic opportunities are stronger, the sheer price of entry keeps homeownership out of reach for many Black residents.

New York also struggles with high costs and a rental-heavy housing market, which limits ownership opportunities despite its large Black population.

Overall, the data reveal clear regional patterns. Southern metros continue to lead in Black homeownership, supported by more affordable housing markets and long-standing cultural ties to homeownership. Northern, Midwestern, and West Coast metros face bigger hurdles, whether due to the legacy of systemic discrimination or the crushing cost of housing.

This data set focuses on metro areas with Black populations of at least 65,000 to ensure a meaningful comparison. We will continue monitoring and reporting on these trends to shed light on progress and challenges in Black economic life across the country.