10 Key Facts: Unraveling Manufactured Housing Statistics

Last updated on August 11, 2024

Explore the fascinating world of manufactured housing as we delve into key statistics and trends shaping this dynamic sector.

Diving right into the heart of the matter, manufactured housing is a booming industry that is rapidly gaining traction in the real estate market. The statistics surrounding this industry are not only intriguing but also indicative of the potential benefits that manufactured homes offer.

From cost-effectiveness and speedy construction to energy efficiency and sustainability, manufactured housing is revolutionizing the way we perceive residential structures.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of these statistics, dissecting the numbers to understand the current trends and future projections.

So, whether you’re a potential homeowner, an investor, or just curious, stay tuned as we unravel the fascinating world of manufactured housing statistics.

The average cost per square foot for a manufactured home is $72.46

Manufactured homes offer an attractive financial alternative to traditional site-built residences. They cost substantially less, with the average cost hitting around $72.46 per square foot. This price includes the home itself and the cost of production, which is significantly reduced due to efficient construction processes.

With these homes, it is possible to attain quality housing that meets or exceeds traditional House Building standards at a fraction of the price.

The average cost per square foot of a site-built home is $139.20

Differing greatly from manufactured housing, conventional or site-built dwellings possess a higher financial implication. Every square foot of such a property boasts an average price tag of $139.20, nearly double that of their manufactured counterparts.

This discrepancy is primarily driven by the cost of land, labor, and materials involved in constructing traditional homes on-site. It essentially underscores the financial advantage of opting for manufactured units, especially for budget-conscious homeowners.

There are an estimated 4.3 million manufactured home sites in the U.S

As per industry records, the U.S holds around 4.3 million sites dedicated to manufactured housing. These sites consist of both individual lots and community clusters.

This considerable volume of homes showcases not only their popularity but also their standing as a serious contender in the broader housing market.

Geographically, these homes span across the country, found in both rural and urban environments. This widespread presence underscores the versatility and adaptability of manufactured housing.

Approximately 27% of newly manufactured homes are placed in a community

The emergence of specialized communities for manufactured homes shows a societal shift in housing preferences. These communities, often equipped with essential and luxury amenities, are home to more than a quarter of recently constructed manufactured homes.

Residents here benefit from a sense of community, shared facilities, and security. This trend emphasizes the growing popularity and acceptance of manufactured homes as a viable and attractive housing option.

This type of housing presents a unique opportunity for developers and potential homeowners alike to explore a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

The U.S. has approximately 43,000 manufactured home communities

Spanning the nation, there are about 43,000 communities designed specifically for the placement of manufactured homes. These figure underlines the popularity and widespread adoption of such housing solutions.

From rural to urban areas, these communities provide a mix of social and economic benefits. They are typically complete with sanitation, utilities, and other necessary residential services.

This considerable number of communities is a testament to the significance of manufactured homes in the U.S housing market.

Within these communities, owners and residents enjoy affordable housing, often in areas of high property demand and costs.

21.2 million people in the U.S. live in a manufactured or mobile home

It’s noteworthy that a significant population calls these homes their own. Across the 50 states, totaling 21.2 million individuals reside in mobile or manufactured housing.

This figure highlights a substantial part of the U.S. population that has made a conscious selection towards this more inexpensive and flexible housing solution.

Sizes vary widely from single to triple wide options accommodating families of various sizes.

These statistics underscore the importance and enduring popularity of manufactured homes as a crucial element of the American housing market.

About 77% of newly manufactured homes are titled as personal property

When purchasing a manufactured home, most buyers – that is, approximately 77% – opt to title their homes as personal property rather than real estate. This often results from choosing to place the home on leased or rented land instead of land they possess. While it simplifies transactions, it could affect financing options and may limit future selling opportunities as personal property sales can sometimes be seen as less desirable compared to real estate transactions.

Nevertheless, for certain buyers, this route offers greater flexibility as they do not have to commit to a specific land plot, echoing the mobile and affordable characteristics inherently present in manufactured houses. It’s crucial for potential homeowners to carefully evaluate both options, consulting with real estate and legal professionals if necessary, to make an educated decision that aligns with their long-term housing needs and financial capabilities.

Manufactured homes make up 11% of annual new home starts

As the housing market continues to evolve, the role of manufactured homes becomes increasingly prominent. Based on recent data, they constitute a significant 11% of all new house starts annually. This represents a substantial segment and underscores the growing popularity of manufactured housing.

Factors such as affordability, speed of construction, and flexibility of design elements contribute to this increase, making it a viable housing option for a large number of prospective homeowners. Amidst escalating traditional property prices, it’s safe to assert that manufactured homes will continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the housing industry.

70% of residents cite affordability as the key driver for choosing manufactured housing

With a significantly lower cost per square foot compared to traditional site-built homes, it’s no surprise that affordability stands as the primary reason many opt for manufactured housing.

Given the increasing living costs and hardships associated with homeownership, seven out of ten residents turn towards the economical advantage of these factory-built homes.

Consequently, manufactured housing fosters an inclusive opportunity for those striving towards homeownership on a tight budget, combating the housing affordability issue in the U.S.

34 U.S. manufactured home builders operating from 145 plants across the country

Nationwide, there are 34 builders leading the production of manufactured homes. Cumulatively, these companies operate a total of 145 plants, exhibiting the sizable scale of this industry.

This extensive network effectively caters for the diverse preferences of potential homeowners. It also ensures an efficient supply chain, with factories strategically placed to deliver homes across all states, thus, promoting accessibility and affordability for buyers.

This wide dispersion of plants across the country is a key reason for the steady growth observed in the manufactured housing sector.

References:

  • https://www.yardibreeze.com/
  • https://constructioncoverage.com/
  • https://www.reuters.com/

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