Thread by @DKThomp

Single-family homes, then and now

In early 1970s:
- Median space-per-resident: 507 sq ft
- 36% with central AC
- 23% with 4 bedrooms or more

In 2017:
- Median space-per-resident: 971 sq ft
- 93% with AC
- 46% with 4 bedrooms or more

census.gov/construction/c…

Ok, this is the best.

In 1973, 40% of new single family houses had 1.5 bathrooms or less. Today ... just 4%.

Meanwhile, the average household size has declined from about 3 to 2.5.

Behold, the opulent bathroomification of the American homeowner.

As single-family homes have become more luxurious, homeownership itself has become a luxury.

1. Young-adult homeownership today is significantly down from the 2000s and 1990s (graph via Fed)

2. Among young black Americans, it's fallen to 60+-year lows (via @alexismadrigal)

@alexismadrigal Lots of questions about houses and AC. So, coupla things:

1) First tweet should say "NEW single family homes." Sorry!

2) Share of new SF homes with built-in AC surpassed:
- 60% in 1979
- 70% in 1985
- 80% in 1996
- 90% in 2004

census.gov/construction/c…