San Jose’s Unique Housing and Marriage Trends
San Jose, situated in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, stands out in various ways. It’s a hub for the fast-evolving tech industry, yet, despite soaring housing prices, the city boasts one of the highest percentages of married couples among major U.S. cities.
Recent findings from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal that around 54% of households in San Jose are married, a figure significantly higher than the national average, which is below 50%. This data was highlighted in an analysis by the National Association of Realtors®.
Nadia Evangelou, a senior economist at NAR, noted that while high housing costs might delay family formation, they don’t prevent it entirely.
Interestingly, San Jose consistently ranks at the top of the list for the most expensive housing market. As of January, the average home price in the area reached approximately $1,195,000, almost three times the national median of $399,900, according to Realtor.com’s latest report.
People residing in pricey neighborhoods like San Jose often delay getting married or starting families, yet many still choose to tie the knot eventually.
NAR economists have observed that married households typically show a greater likelihood of having both parents employed, enjoying higher education levels, and achieving better financial stability.
According to Alexander Kalla, a local real estate agent, married couples hold a notable financial edge over single buyers in the San Jose market.
“In San Jose, the cost of homeownership is remarkably high,” Kalla remarked. “Having two solid incomes really makes the purchasing process a lot smoother. Home prices often hit seven figures, and even a modest family home demands a substantial down payment and hefty monthly payments, which one person’s income might struggle to cover.”
Marriage and Housing Market Connection
The relationship between marriage rates and housing market value is quite intricate. Factors like rising mortgage rates and increasing home prices are causing many in their 30s to put off significant life events, including marriage and home buying.
Over the past decades, the percentage of married households in U.S. metropolitan areas has dropped from about 66% in 1975 to 47% recently. In terms of families with children, the share has decreased from 54% to 37% during the same period.
Conversely, the average age of first-time homebuyers is climbing. Last year, it reached a record high of 40 years, surpassing the previous record of 38 set in 2024, based on NAR’s annual profile.
San Jose: A Market Apart
Interestingly, San Jose seems to be defying some of these national trends, which could significantly impact its housing market. Evangelou observed that marriage-centered households contribute to a more stable demand, often seeking family-friendly properties and larger homes, and they typically remain in their homes for longer compared to younger, unmarried buyers.
“In affordable markets, married-couple households are still a driving force in local housing demand,” she shared.
Kalla highlighted that, particularly during competitive bidding scenarios, this dynamic becomes evident.
“Families looking for desirable homes near good schools often outbid others, making their offers more attractive on paper,” he explained. “While singles can certainly compete, they typically face an uphill battle because of the city’s elevated prices and ongoing maintenance costs.”
NAR’s analysis identified Provo, Utah, as the metro area with the highest married couple concentration at 68%, while Greenville, North Carolina, recorded the lowest at just 34.6%. Evangelou emphasized her focus on San Jose due to its high market share and status as one of the largest and priciest metropolitan areas.
