HOA Statistics
Buying a property that belongs to a homeowners association (HOA) allows you to enjoy amenities and services you might not otherwise have access to. However, deciding whether the monthly dues—and the potential for neighborly disagreements—are worth it can be challenging for many prospective homeowners.
We analyzed HOA statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to learn more about the prevalence of HOAs. Our findings also revealed average HOA fees, what those fees cover, and whether living in an HOA is worth it.
If you’re considering moving to an area with an HOA, this guide—like the best moving companies—can help simplify the process so you can focus on settling in.
Key Statistics
- There are 365,000 HOA communities in the United States as of 2023.
- There are 75.5 million residents—or 30% of the population—living in HOAs.
- The national average HOA fee is $243 per month.
What Is a Homeowner Association (HOA)?
A homeowners association (HOA) is a nonprofit organization that governs a residential community of homeowners living in a bounded geographical area, according to the NAR. You must purchase a townhome, condo, or single-family home with an established HOA to join one. Not all communities have an HOA, but those that do typically charge a monthly or annual membership fee separate from homeowners’ mortgage payments.
HOAs are comprised of an elected board of directors who volunteer their time. An HOA must abide by its governing documents, which include articles of incorporation, rules and regulations, and bylaws, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Through regular meetings with homeowners, HOA members do the following:
- Address homeowner interests and concerns
- Collect, manage, and spend HOA dues
- Create and enforce community rules
- Set homeowner expectations
- Support community improvement projects
In 2023, HOAs collected a total of $108.8 billion in member assessments, according to FCAR. Between 30% and 40% of HOAs were self-managed, meaning they operate without a management company or professional manager. A total of 60,000–65,000 community association managers and 9,000–10,000 community association management companies governed HOAs nationwide in 2023.
How Many HOAs Are There in the U.S.?
According to FCAR, there were 365,000 communities with HOAs in 2023. These communities served 75.5 million residents—30% of the U.S. population—living in 28.2 million housing units. FCAR estimates that there are 367,000–370,000 HOAs operating in 2024.
The number of communities with HOAs varies greatly nationwide. The table below shows the top five states with the highest number of HOA communities in 2023:
| State | Number of Communities With HOAs | Residents in Communities With HOAs (Rounded) | Housing Units in Communities With HOAs (Rounded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 50,700 | 14,401,000 | 5,009,000 |
| Florida | 49,800 | 9,524,000 | 3,884,000 |
| Texas | 22,300 | 6,122,000 | 2,203,000 |
| Illinois | 19,550 | 3,900,000 | 1,525,000 |
| North Carolina | 14,900 | 2,861,000 | 1,162,000 |
Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., had 3,000 or fewer communities with HOAs in 2023. States with fewer than 1,000 HOA communities are the following:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
In 1970, there were only 10,000 communities with HOAs, encompassing 2.1 million residents and 0.7 million housing units. The decade between 1980 and 1990 saw the most significant increase in the number of communities governed by HOAs. The jump from 36,000 communities to 130,000 communities represents a roughly 261% increase in the number of HOAs, with a corresponding 222% increase in the number of housing units and 208% increase in the number of residents.
What Are HOA Fees, and What Do They Cover?
HOA fees consist of monthly dues homeowners pay to support the amenities and services afforded to them through membership. The set monthly dues are typically the same amount among homeowners but can vary based on home size and other factors. These dues reflect the perks homeowners receive by belonging to the HOA. In other words, the better the amenities, the higher the monthly HOA fees.
Example amenities and services covered by HOA fees include the following:
- Common area maintenance and repair
- Landscaping
- Liability insurance for common areas
- Pest control
- Security cameras, gates, and guards
- Snow removal
- Trash removal
- Water and wastewater utilities
The national average HOA fee in 2023 was $243 per month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The average HOA fee was up from $191 in 2021 and $170 in 2019. These monthly dues don’t reflect any special assessments charged to homeowners throughout the corresponding year.
A special assessment covers any emergencies or significant projects that require additional funding beyond revenue from the monthly dues and exceeds the amount the HOA is willing to remove from the reserve fund. Although special assessments can be rare, they are a vital consideration for homeowners who lack a robust emergency fund.
Is Living in an HOA Worth It?
Results from FCAR’s 2024 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey show that 94% of community association residents get along with their immediate neighbors. The same survey revealed that 60% of homeowners who belonged to an HOA had a positive experience with their community association, while another 26% rated their overall experience as neutral.
The table below highlights the advantages and disadvantages of living in an HOA:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| HOAs provide access to amenities like pools, gyms, playgrounds, security, and parks. | HOAs come with additional costs on top of the mortgage and other financial responsibilities. |
| Property upkeep services like trash and snow removal relieve the physical burden on homeowners. | It has the potential for costly special assessments. |
| Belonging to an HOA can potentially maintain and even enhance property values. | HOA fees may not align with perceived benefits. |
| It promotes community engagement. | Regulations may be too restrictive for some homeowners. |
| HOAs offers neighborly dispute settlement. | There’s potential for mismanagement of privileges and fees. |
| Homeowners can volunteer and influence the HOA board’s decisions. | HOA rules enforcement can become intrusive. |
Our Conclusion
Homeowners can enjoy the benefits of an HOA while sharing the responsibility of maintenance and related services, but these arrangements aren’t for everyone. For example, if you have strong aesthetic preferences or specific project plans, an HOA’s rules may feel restrictive.
Before you start your pergola installation project, check with your HOA to avoid any disputes. If you’re partial to a desert landscape in your front yard, your HOA agreement might prohibit you from straying from the traditional green lawn. For any large-scale overhaul projects, ensure you know how to find your property lines so you don’t overstep any legal boundaries. Understanding your HOA’s rules will help you balance your preferences with community standards.
Let this guide help you decide whether an HOA is right for you and what you can expect if you join one. If your prospective home belongs to an HOA, you’ll be equipped to make a more informed buying decision.
FAQ About HOAs
Are HOA fees tax deductible?
HOA fees are not tax deductible if the property you pay them for is your primary residence. However, you can claim a portion of the HOA fees if you rent the property or if you’re self-employed and deduct the square footage of your home office.
Can your HOA enter your home?
HOA members can only enter your home without permission for emergencies, such as a fire or flooding. Should the HOA need to enter your home for maintenance purposes, they must give you reasonable notice as defined by state or city laws. Specifics regarding an HOA member entering your home can often be found in the HOA’s governing documents.
Can an HOA kick you out?
An HOA cannot kick you out of your home by evicting you. However, an HOA can place a lien on the property due to unpaid HOA fees that can force foreclosure. Proceeds from the home’s sale would go toward paying off the delinquent HOA fees.
Do all condos have HOA fees?
No, all condos don’t have HOA fees. Condo fees are different from HOA fees because they’re assessed in a slightly different manner, but they cover similar access to amenities and common area maintenance services.
What happens if you don’t pay HOA fees?
If you don’t pay your HOA fees on time, you’ll typically incur a late fee per the legal terms you agreed to in the HOA’s CC&Rs. Prolonged delinquency can result in the HOA filing a lawsuit and placing a lien on your property, which could lead to foreclosure.
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