June 01--The average size of homes built in the U.S. increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2015 to a record 2,657 square feet, according to census data released Monday.
It compares with 2,598 square feet in 2013. Also setting new records were the percentage of homes having three or more bathrooms, at 36 percent, and the percentage of homes built with four or more bedrooms, at 46 percent. The average sales price of a newly constructed home sold last year was $345,800, versus $324,500 in 2013.
Homes built in the Midwest last year continue to be smaller than their counterparts elsewhere. The average size here is 2,574 square feet, compared with 2,617 square feet in the Northeast, 2,711 square feet in the South and 2,603 square feet in the West.
While home size remains on the upswing, average lot size is still going in the opposite direction. It was about 47,300 square feet last year, compared with 48,500 square feet in 2013, and more than 64,500 in 2010, according to the Census Bureau's data.
mepodmolik@tribpub.com
