Home Equity Growth Surges Nationwide
The latest national data shows how dramatically the housing shortage has shaped the market over the past five years. Home values have been rising at nearly twice their normal pace, and that surge has created a significant boost in homeowner equity. A new Bankrate analysis found that in more than half of the country homeowners have seen their equity grow by more than 100 percent since 2020.
Some states experienced extraordinary jumps. West Virginia led the nation with a 450 percent increase, moving from an average of about 6,500 dollars in equity in 2020 to nearly 36,000 dollars in 2025. Bankrate noted that the state’s lower home prices tend to magnify percentage gains when values rise.
Oklahoma followed with a 431 percent increase in home equity. Connecticut, Kansas and Illinois rounded out the top five with gains ranging from 217 to 297 percent. Only two areas saw declines during this period. Washington D.C. fell by about 38 percent and Louisiana by roughly 22 percent. Alaska, North Dakota and Colorado had modest increases and landed at the bottom of the growth list.
The surge in equity has also led more homeowners to tap into the value of their properties. In the first quarter of 2025 Americans withdrew close to 25 billion dollars in home equity products. It was the highest first quarter volume since 2008.
Overall equity growth has been remarkable. In 2025 the average homeowner nationwide holds about 112,400 dollars in equity, which is up 142 percent from 2020. This has strengthened household finances and created new opportunities for anyone thinking about a move.
Here in the Portland metro and throughout Oregon, many homeowners are discovering that their equity has grown far more than they expected, which gives them flexibility to buy, sell or reposition their housing goals. For many people this equity is becoming a launchpad for their next chapter.
If you want clarity on where your equity stands today or how to put it to work, I would love to help. We can explore strategies that match your goals and create a plan that positions you for success. Now is an ideal time to understand your options and make the most of the equity you have built, reach out today!
