Where manufactured homes are filling the housing affordability gap

"Florida holds the nation's largest inventory more than 824,400 homes, or 7.8% of all manufactured residences while New Mexico's 15% share makes it the top state by concentration. Ten states now exceed a 10% share, including Mississippi, West Virginia and South Carolina. States with the highest shares of manufactured homes also tend to have below-average housing prices, offering a path to ownership in places where incomes lag, the study shows."

"The price advantage remains the sector's strongest draw. In 2024, the average new manufactured home cost about $123,300 less than half the national median home price. While land costs can shift total expenses, manufactured housing continues to offer first-time buyers and retirees one of the few remaining affordable entry points to ownership. As manufactured units evolve in design and energy performance, interest among younger buyers is rising."

Florida contains the largest inventory of manufactured homes with over 824,400 units (7.8% of the national total), while New Mexico leads by concentration at 15%. Ten states now exceed a 10% share, including Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Carolina. Manufactured housing is more common in lower-price states, providing an accessible ownership option where incomes lag, and shows strong city-level presence in Mesa, Largo, Phoenix, Jacksonville, San Jose, and Houston. New manufactured homes averaged about $123,300 in 2024, under half the national median. Modern manufactured homes emphasize open plans, smart systems, improved durability, energy performance, and disaster resilience, attracting younger buyers and retirees.

Read at www.housingwire.com