U.S. Home Age by County Map

This interactive map shows the Most Common Home Age in Every U.S. County. Yellow shades represent newer homes. Fuchsia shades represent older homes. Hover over the map to see the county, state, total homes and number of homes for different decades. Zoom in for more detail. Scroll down for more information.

Home Age

Understanding the Age of Your Home

When we think about a house, we often focus on its price, size, style, or location. But one factor that's just as important—yet often overlooked—is the age of the home.

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining a property, knowing how old a house is can tell you a lot about its structure, systems, and long-term upkeep needs.

If you want to learn more about old homes, Amazon has Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros).

This essential resource is perfect for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional renovators who are passionate about preserving the charm and character of old houses while making them functional for modern living.

What Does Home Age Mean?

The "age" of a home refers to the number of years since it was built. However, this doesn’t always give the full picture.

A home that’s 80 years old but recently renovated might function more like a 10-year-old home, while a 20-year-old house with outdated systems might feel older than it really is.

Home Age Across America

The map above shows that the Northeast and Midwest have the oldest homes in the country, with many built before 1939..

Nationwide, the median age of a home is 40 years, meaning half of the occupied homes were built before 1981.

Home age varies significantly by state. New York has the oldest homes on average.

This could suggest that homes in these areas were built to last—or it might indicate limited growth and fewer opportunities to build new housing.

Interestingly, homes built in the 1950s and 1960s are less likely to dominate any particular county. This could be due to quality concerns or simply changing tastes—after all, not everyone loves Mid-Century Modern.

The South features newer homes overall, reflecting more recent growth. Newer construction is especially prominent in North Dakota and Texas.

Nevada leads the nation in the share of newer homes.

Notably, there is no county in the U.S. where the majority of housing units were built after 2020.

Why It Matters

Maintenance & Repairs

Older homes often come with more wear and tear. Systems like plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC, and roofing may need to be replaced or upgraded sooner than in newer homes.

If you look forward to learn more about aging buildings, Amazon has America's Crumbling Infrastructure and How to Fix It. Indepth look at America's aging buildings and infrastructure.

Building Codes

Building standards evolve over time. Homes built decades ago may not meet today’s safety codes unless they’ve been updated. This can impact everything from insulation to fire safety.

Energy Efficiency

Newer homes tend to be better insulated and have more energy-efficient windows, doors, and appliances. An older home may need retrofitting to lower utility bills and environmental impact.

Historical Value & Character

On the upside, older homes often come with charming architectural details and unique craftsmanship that newer builds may lack.

This can add value—both financial and aesthetic—to your living experience.

Understanding your home’s age is more than just a number—it’s a key factor in planning renovations, budgeting for repairs, and even determining insurance needs.

Whether your house is brand new or a century old, knowing its story can help you take better care of it for years to come.