Best and worst U.S. states for multigenerational living
The Multigenerational Living Index by HouseCanary evaluates U.S. states based on the proportion of homes featuring four or more bedrooms, the prevalence of basements, and the price increase for larger residences. Leading the index is Utah, where 41% of homes contain four or more bedrooms—almost double the national average of 23%—and 53% include basements. In Utah, the cost of a four-bedroom home is 1.39 times that of a smaller property, which is lower than the national average of approximately 1.6 times. Minnesota ranks highly with a basement rate of 65%, facilitating affordable extra space. Ohio has the highest basement prevalence at 71%. Conversely, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi have minimal basement availability and high premiums for larger homes.
Key facts
- HouseCanary's Multigenerational Living Index ranks states based on four-bedroom share, basement share, and price premium.
- Utah tops the index with 41% of homes having four or more bedrooms and 53% having basements.
- The four-bedroom premium in Utah is 1.39 times the cost of a smaller home, below the national average of about 1.6 times.
- Minnesota ranks near the top due to its 65% basement rate.
- Ohio has the highest basement rate among top-tier states at 71%.
- Louisiana has the lowest basement rate at 0.1%.
- Arkansas has only 7% of homes with four or more bedrooms.
- Mississippi has 12% of homes with four or more bedrooms.
- The worst states (Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi) have four-bedroom premiums of 1.85-1.86 times.
- Regional building traditions, such as the 'basement belt' in the Midwest and Northeast, influence housing stock.
Entities
Institutions
- HouseCanary
- NAHB
Locations
- United States
- Utah
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Midwest
- Northeast
- South
- West South Central
- East South Central
Sources
- Quartz —