Housing and population growth in KC outpace the nation
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Housing units in the Kansas City metro continue trending upward, outpacing the area's strong population growth.
The big picture: More homes than people have been added in the U.S. over the last decade, but affordability remains a huge roadblock for many would-be homebuyers.
Zoom in: The number of housing units in the Kansas City metro increased by 10.6% between 2014 and 2024, while the population grew by 8.9%, per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Zoom out: Housing units across the nation grew by 9.5% while the population grew by 6.7%.
Yes, but: That only tells part of the story; just because housing exists doesn't mean it's affordable.
- U.S. home prices rose nearly 50% from mid-2019 to mid-2025, per the National Association of Realtors.
Between the lines: High mortgage rates over the last few years have depressed supply in many markets.
- If you're a homeowner with an older mortgage locked in at 3% or so, the idea of moving into a new home at double that rate or more isn't exactly attractive.
- High rates also make newly built homes more expensive over time for buyers needing a mortgage.
Stunning stat: Over the last five years, one in six prospective homebuyers have given up because they couldn't find a house they liked or could afford, a recent Bankrate survey found.
The latest: Home prices are starting to fall in some areas, and homebuyers have a slight edge in Kansas City, though experts warn not to expect a major nationwide cooldown just yet.