The Most American Borough in New York: Why Staten Island Leads NYC in Homeownership

The most American borough in New York is not the one most people would guess. On the Fourth of July, with the American Dream front and center, new NYU Furman Center data reveals which New York City borough actually leads in homeownership, and the answer is Staten Island.

Which NYC borough has the highest homeownership rate?

Staten Island. According to a report from NYU’s Furman Center, Staten Island’s homeownership rate is almost 68%, leading every other New York City borough by a wide margin. It is the standout of the five boroughs by a large gap.

How does NYC homeownership compare to the national average?

Citywide, only about 33% of New Yorkers own their home, compared to roughly 65% nationally. That means a typical New Yorker is about half as likely to own as the average American. Staten Island, at nearly 68%, actually beats the national average.

What are the homeownership rates in each NYC borough?

Based on the Furman Center data: the Bronx is just under 20%, Manhattan is about 26%, Brooklyn is about 29%, Queens is about 44%, and Staten Island is almost 68%. Staten Island leads by a wide margin, and it is the only borough that tops the national homeownership rate.

Why does Staten Island have such high homeownership?

Staten Island has more single- and two-family homes, more yards, and more of the kind of property a family can realistically buy and hold long term. That housing stock makes ownership far more attainable than in the denser, more expensive boroughs.

What does this mean for buyers chasing the American Dream in NYC?

Owning a home in New York City is harder than almost anywhere else in America, which makes it mean that much more when you get there. Staten Island, and to a degree Brooklyn, remain the most realistic paths to ownership in the city. If you want to know what it would take to own your piece of New York in any borough, that is exactly what we help with.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: The Most American Borough in New York

This is Daily Tesla News - short, straight-talk breakdowns of the NYC real estate stories that actually affect Staten Island and Brooklyn homeowners.

Browse all Daily Tesla News episodes and try the AI chatbot that knows every episode. Want to know what it would take to own your piece of New York, in any borough? Text or call Joseph Ranola at (917) 905-2541.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Homeownership figures reflect reported NYU Furman Center data.