The average size of new apartments in the U.S. saw substantial growth in 2023, bouncing back to 916 sf after a steep decline the previous year. That is according to a recent RentCafe market insight report released this month.
The growth in average apartment size can be attributed to the influx of two- and three-bedroom units coming on the market. In cities like Jacksonville and Orlando, Fla., large apartments lead the pack, while metros like Seattle, Wash., lead the top 100 metros in smallest unit sizes.
10 Year History of Average Apartment Size Changes
For the past 10 years, the average size of multifamily housing units have been steadily shrinking. This is driven by one-bedroom apartments that dominate the landscape, comprising nearly half (48%) of all apartments built in 2023.
Studio apartments have shrunk by 54 sf over the last decade. One-bedroom unit sizes have decreased by 7 sf over the last ten years—a trend we’re familiar with seeing—to an average of 733 sf in 2023.
RELATED: Average size of new apartments dropped sharply in 2022
On the other hand, two- and three-bedroom units continue to grow in size on a 10-year average. Two-bedroom apartment sizes rose seven sf last year, reaching 1,099 sf. Three-bedroom units dipped to an average size of 1,347 sf in 2023, but are still 19 sf larger than they were ten years ago.
Average Apartment Size by Region in 2023
Which cities have grown to become home to the largest apartments? According to the report, sunbelt destinations cater best to renters looking for spacious living. The top state? Florida.
Top 10 Cities With Largest Size of New Apartments
- Gainesville, Fla., boasts an average new apartment size of 1,173 sf. This is a 10-year percentage increase of 19.7%—the largest increase of all top 10 metropolitan areas.
- Tallahassee, Fla., has an average new apartment size of 1,159 sf in 2023. This marks a 10-year increase of 15.4%.
- Baton Rouge, La., increased its apartment size average to 1,068 sf, a 17.6% increase over the last decade.
- Knoxville, Tenn., has an average apartment size of 1,057 sf in 2023. This is 18.1% greater than its apartment size average ten years ago.
- Marietta, Ga., while having the lowest growth of the top ten metros, saw its average unit sizes increase to 1,055 sf. This is a 2.9% growth over the last 10 years.
- Lubbock, Texas, has grown its average apartment size to 1,037 sf last year. This is a 10-year increase of 17.3%.
- Greensboro, N.C., increased its units to an average of 1,035 sf, a 13.2% increase over a ten year period.
- Henderson, Nev., grew its apartment size to 1,021 sf, an 8% increase over the last decade.
- Columbia, S.C., has an average unit size of 1,019 sf, a mere 3.7% growth since 2014.
- Louisville, Ky., has reached an average apartment size of 1,017 sf. This size is 15% greater than it was ten years ago for the metro.
Click here to read the full RentCafe report: National Apartment Size Rebounds as More 2- & 3-Bedroom Rentals Are Built
Related Stories
Designers | Jul 20, 2023
Mary Cook Associates brews up coffeehouse-inspired apartment community
The MCA design team worked closely with the developer and design architect to create an interior concept inspired by Decatur, Ga.’s, tree-lined streets, boutique retail, and vibrant restaurant and coffee shop scene.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 13, 2023
Walkable neighborhoods encourage stronger sense of community
Adults who live in walkable neighborhoods are more likely to interact with their neighbors and have a stronger sense of community than people who live in car-dependent communities, according to a report by the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego.
Affordable Housing | Jul 12, 2023
Navigating homelessness with modular building solutions
San Francisco-based architect Chuck Bloszies, FAIA, SE, LEED AP, discusses his firm's designs for Navigation Centers, temporary housing for the homeless in northern California.
Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Jul 12, 2023
Fire safety considerations for cantilevered buildings [AIA course]
Bold cantilevered designs are prevalent today, as developers and architects strive to maximize space, views, and natural light in buildings. Cantilevered structures, however, present a host of challenges for building teams, according to José R. Rivera, PE, Associate Principal and Director of Plumbing and Fire Protection with Lilker.
Mass Timber | Jul 11, 2023
5 solutions to acoustic issues in mass timber buildings
For all its advantages, mass timber also has a less-heralded quality: its acoustic challenges. Exposed wood ceilings and floors have led to issues with excessive noise. Mass timber experts offer practical solutions to the top five acoustic issues in mass timber buildings.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 11, 2023
Converting downtown office into multifamily residential: Let’s stop and think about this
Is the office-to-residential conversion really what’s best for our downtowns from a cultural, urban, economic perspective? Or is this silver bullet really a poison pill?
Adaptive Reuse | Jul 10, 2023
California updates building code for adaptive reuse of office, retail structures for housing
The California Building Standards Commission recently voted to make it easier to convert commercial properties to residential use. The commission adopted provisions of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) that allow developers more flexibility for adaptive reuse of retail and office structures.
Modular Building | Jul 6, 2023
Lennar, Mastry Ventures make multi-million dollar investment in net-zero prefab homes
Mastry Ventures and LENx, the venture arm of homebuilder Lennar, have co-invested in Vessel Technologies’ next-generation housing product.
Mixed-Use | Jun 29, 2023
Massive work-live-play development opens in LA's new Cumulus District
VOX at Cumulus, a 14-acre work-live-play development in Los Angeles, offers 910 housing units and 100,000 sf of retail space anchored by a Whole Foods outlet. VOX, one of the largest mixed-use communities to open in the Los Angeles area, features apartments and townhomes with more than one dozen floorplans.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 29, 2023
5 ways to rethink the future of multifamily development and design
The Gensler Research Institute’s investigation into the residential experience indicates a need for fresh perspectives on residential design and development, challenging norms, and raising the bar.
