Black Homeownership Lags White Ownership Across Major Cities

Systemic barriers continue to prevent Black families from building wealth through homeownership

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Despite the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, which prohibited housing discrimination, the Black homeownership rate today is virtually the same as it was over 50 years ago. Factors such as lower family wealth, employment discrimination, and pay gaps have contributed to a persistent gap in homeownership between Black and White Americans. The data shows that even when Black families do own homes, the median home values are lower compared to White homeowners.

Why it matters

Homeownership is a key driver of wealth creation and generational wealth, but the racial disparities in homeownership rates and home values have prevented many Black families from achieving the same level of financial security and prosperity as their White counterparts. Addressing these systemic barriers is crucial for advancing racial equity and closing the wealth gap.

The details

The Black homeownership rate in the 50 largest U.S. cities is 43.6%, compared to 70.3% for White Americans. Only five metro areas have Black homeownership rates above 50%. Even when Black families do own homes, the median home values are 23% lower than the overall median home value. Additionally, Black workers earn significantly less than White workers in nearly every major industry, contributing to the wealth gap.

  • The Fair Housing Act was signed into law in 1968, prohibiting housing discrimination.
  • In 2024, the median household income for Black families was about $56,000, while White families earned about $88,000.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

An icon of the civil rights movement who testified in 2007 that homeownership is one of the most reliable ways for economically disadvantaged populations to close the wealth gap.

Matt Schulz

LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst, who stated that the data "illustrates just how high a mountain that remains to be climbed for Black Americans when it comes to building wealth and getting access to homeownership."

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What they’re saying

“The cost of money for Black and Brown people is not based on equal opportunity, equal access, or equal protection under the law. In the home mortgage industry, like other industries, people of color are economically exploited, resulting in a home-owning rate of fewer than 50 percent.”

— Rev. Jesse Jackson (Senate Banking Committee hearing (2007)

“We know systemic racism has not disappeared from the housing market.”

— Matt Schulz, LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

Policymakers and community leaders must continue to address the systemic barriers that have prevented Black families from achieving homeownership and building wealth at the same rate as White families. This includes demanding fair appraisals, equal pay, and lending practices that do not discriminate based on the racial makeup of a neighborhood.

The takeaway

The persistent racial gap in homeownership is a reflection of the long history of systemic racism and discrimination in the housing market. Addressing these deep-rooted issues is crucial for advancing racial equity and creating a more just and equitable society.