DINK (Dual-Income No Kids) Households Are Less Likely To Own a Home: Here’s Why
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
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Owning a home has lots of advantages. You can build credit, customize your home to your liking, build equity, avoid rent increases and qualify for tax deductions. But homeownership isn’t for everyone — even when finances aren’t an issue.
A recent study from Rocket Mortgage analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey to compare dual-income households with no kids — DINKs — to dual-income households with kids — DIWKs. The study found that although DINKs usually earn more, they are less likely to own a home than those people who earn a dual income and have kids. Here’s why.
DIWKs vs. DINKs Earnings
When it comes to annual earnings, DINKs earn more than DIWKs in about 50% of the states in the nation. According to the study, dual-income houses with no kids earn $138,000 per year, on average, which is nearly 7% more than the $129,000 average annual income of dual-income families with kids.
The states where DINKs earn more by the largest margin are the following:
- Connecticut: 70%
- Rhode Island: 62%
- Illinois: 41%
But a higher income doesn’t mean that homeownership is a given.
DIWKs vs. DINKs Homeownership
Even though dual-income households with no kids often earn a higher average income than dual-income households with kids, its DIWKs that are more likely to own their own home, according to the study.
Across the nation, 72% of DIWKs own homes, compared to 59% of dual-income houses with no kids. Overall, in 39 U.S. states, DIWKs are more likely to be homeowners than DINKs.
DINKs: Homeownership by State
Although DINKs are less likely to own a home than DIWKs, homeownership percentages for DINKs vary greatly according to the state.
In Mississippi, a whopping 93% of dual-income households with no kids own their own home. Among DINKs in Maine and New Hampshire, 88% and 86%, respectively, own their own home.
However, in New York, only 37% of DINKs own their own home, followed by 32% in D.C. and only 22% in Hawaii.
Why Dual-Income No Kids Households Are Less Likely To Own a Home
According to the study, DINKs may be less likely to own a home for the following reasons:
- Freedom and flexibility afforded by renting instead of buying
- No worries about potential impacts on a child’s schooling or social life
Zach Bromley, financial advisor at Broadway Graham Wealth Partners offered some common reasons, based on his past experience, why DINK households may be less likely to buy a home compared to households with children.
Less Need for Space
“DINK households often don’t require larger homes with multiple bedrooms, yards, good school districts etc. that families with kids prize.” Bromley said. “Smaller condos or apartments may suffice for many.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median size of a new single-family home sold in 2022 was 2,383 square feet, whereas the median size of multifamily units built for rent in 2022 was 1,010 square feet — or less than half the size of a single-family home.
Increased Mobility
A policy research brief from the MacArthur Foundation stated that moving during childhood can interfere with school performance, social skills and behavior. However dual-income houses who do not have to consider children’s needs can take advantage of increased mobility.
“Without kids tying them down, DINK couples may be more open to frequently moving for new job opportunities,” said Bromley. “This makes renting more practical than owning.”
Later Nesting
“DINK couples may be getting married and settling down later in life,” Bromley said, “delaying homebuying decisions compared to prior generations.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average first-time groom is 30, while the average first-time bride is 28, compared to being 25 and 22, respectively, in 1980.
However, that doesn’t mean they are immediately buying a home. The National Association of Realtors’ 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found the average age of a typical first-time homebuyer is 36, which is considered an all-time high.
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