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LendingTree Ranks U.S. Cities with Lowest Homeownership Costs for Single Parents

other · 2026-08-08

LendingTree conducted a study using U.S. Census Bureau data from the 50 largest cities in America to examine housing expenses for single-parent households. On a national scale, homeowners in this demographic allocate over 25% of their income to housing, while renters surpass 40%. Indianapolis stands out with the lowest homeowner cost at 21.7% and an ideal affordability score of 100. Following closely is Louisville at 22.0%, which also boasts the lowest rent burden at 36.6%. Raleigh's ownership cost is 22.5%, yet it has the highest rent burden at 41.5%. Additional cities include St. Louis (22.7%), Pittsburgh (22.9%), Detroit (23.4%), and Grand Rapids (23.8%), with homeownership rates of 47.5% and 48.1%, respectively. This analysis reveals significant differences in housing costs for renters and owners.

Key facts

  • LendingTree analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data for the 50 largest American cities.
  • Indianapolis has the lowest ownership cost share for single parents at 21.7%.
  • Louisville has the lowest rent burden at 36.6% for single-parent renters.
  • Detroit has a single-parent homeownership rate of 47.5%, the third-highest nationally.
  • Grand Rapids has a single-parent homeownership rate of 48.1%, second-highest nationally.
  • National average for single-parent homeowners is 25.7% of income spent on housing.
  • Single-parent renters nationally spend over 40% of income on housing.
  • Salt Lake City ranks highest on LendingTree's overall single-parent housing index.

Entities

Institutions

  • LendingTree
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Locations

  • Indianapolis
  • United States
  • Louisville
  • Kentucky
  • Raleigh
  • North Carolina
  • St. Louis
  • Missouri
  • Pittsburgh
  • Pennsylvania
  • Detroit
  • Michigan
  • Grand Rapids
  • Los Angeles
  • California
  • New York
  • Salt Lake City
  • Utah
  • Kansas City

Sources