Florida Women More Likely to Own Homes and Stay Put Despite Rising Costs

Poll finds women in Florida are more likely than men to own their homes and plan to remain in the state despite skyrocketing housing and insurance expenses.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new poll commissioned by Florida Atlantic University's MediaLab and conducted by Mainstreet Research shows that women in Florida are more likely than men to own their homes and say they plan to stay in the state despite rising housing costs. While 91% of respondents feel that housing in Florida is unaffordable, 66% of women said they plan to stay, compared to only 45% of men. The poll also found that 55% of women own their homes, compared to 49% of men.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that women in Florida are more financially resilient and committed to the state than their male counterparts, even as the cost of living continues to rise. This could have implications for the state's housing market, economic development, and demographic trends in the coming years.

The details

The poll found that while 43% of male respondents said they plan to move somewhere cheaper due to Florida's high costs, this was true of only 25% of women surveyed. Instead, 66% of women said they plan to stay in Florida despite the expenses. Additionally, the poll showed that 55% of women own their homes in Florida, compared to 49% of men. Experts attribute this trend to declining marriage rates and shifting labor patterns, with more individuals entering the housing market independently rather than as part of a dual-income household.

  • The poll was commissioned by Florida Atlantic University's MediaLab and conducted by Mainstreet Research in 2026.

The players

Dr. Louise K. Davidson-Schmich

A professor of political science at the University of Miami who provided analysis on the factors behind the rise in female homeownership.

Elizabeth Miller

A 52-year-old health insurance agent who has owned her home in Deerfield Beach, Florida since 2001, citing emotional reasons for staying in the state despite rising costs.

Samina Compton

A 26-year-old cocktail waitress renting a high-rise apartment in Hallandale Beach, Florida who expressed a strong connection to the state and its culture.

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What they’re saying

“Since the rate of marriage in the U.S. has been consistently falling, it's probably not surprising that more people are buying homes as singles than as couples.”

— Dr. Louise K. Davidson-Schmich, Professor of Political Science, University of Miami

“I love Florida. I lived in New York for many years, where the prices are even higher than here, and it's cold.”

— Elizabeth Miller

“I was born and raised here. I am now renting a high rise and I love it. The culture, the amenities like a waterfront pool or gym, the food, proximity to the beach, and the nightlife here is good, too.”

— Samina Compton, Cocktail Waitress

What’s next

The poll results suggest that further research may be needed to understand the long-term implications of the gender divide in Florida's housing market and the factors driving women's increased commitment to the state despite rising costs.

The takeaway

The findings highlight the resilience and emotional attachment of Florida's female residents, who appear more willing than their male counterparts to weather the state's affordability challenges and remain in their communities. This could have significant implications for Florida's future demographic and economic trends.