South Carolina ranks 5th in highest concentration of mobile homes per capita in the U.S. in new study

In recent years, mobile homes have become a notable feature in the American housing market, offering affordability and adaptability that resonates with a diverse range of residents. The affordability factor is particularly significant, as mobile homes typically come with lower price tags compared to traditional site-built homes, making homeownership more attainable for individuals and families with modest incomes.

A new research by Invezz.com analyzed data provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to find out the states with the most mobile homes. To ensure an equitable comparison, the researchers standardized the mobile home count by calculating the per 100,000 residents ratio.

• Mobile homes offer an attractive combination of affordability and flexibility, making them a preferred housing option for those seeking budget-friendly and adaptable living spaces.
• Despite their advantages, mobile homes come with certain drawbacks, including potential depreciation, financing difficulties, and limited appreciation.
• Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana take the top 3 spots on the list of the US states with the most mobile homes per 100k residents.

Top 10 state for mobile homes per capita residency:

1. Mississippi (5,135 per 100k residents)
Mississippi leads the nation with the highest concentration of mobile homes per 100,000 residents, reflecting a significant preference for this affordable housing option in the state.

2. Alabama (4,086 per 100k residents)
Alabama follows closely behind Mississippi, with a substantial number of mobile homes per 100,000 residents, indicating a prevalent use of manufactured housing in the state.

3. Louisiana (4,054 per 100k residents)
Louisiana ranks third in the country for mobile home prevalence, suggesting a widespread adoption of these homes, possibly due to factors like affordability and flexibility.

4. New Mexico (3,739 per 100k residents)
New Mexico demonstrates a notable presence of mobile homes per 100,000 residents, showcasing the popularity of this housing type in the state’s diverse housing market.

5. South Carolina (3,699 per 100k residents)
South Carolina has a significant proportion of mobile homes, indicating a preference for this housing option, possibly driven by its affordability and adaptability to various living arrangements.

6. West Virginia (3,673 per 100k residents)
West Virginia has a substantial number of mobile homes per 100,000 residents, reflecting the appeal of manufactured housing in this state, known for its scenic landscapes and rural areas.

7. Kentucky (3,381 per 100k residents)
Kentucky ranks seventh in the nation for mobile home prevalence, suggesting that many residents find these homes to be a suitable and cost-effective housing solution.

8. Arkansas (3,354 per 100k residents)
Arkansas has a considerable concentration of mobile homes, indicating a significant presence of this housing type in the state’s residential landscape.

9. North Carolina (2,942 per 100k residents)
North Carolina, with a notable number of mobile homes per 100,000 residents, showcases the popularity of manufactured housing in the state’s diverse housing market.

10. Tennessee (2,431 per 100k residents)
Tennessee rounds out the top 10 states with a substantial presence of mobile homes per 100,000 residents, highlighting the appeal of these homes in the state’s housing sector.

Michael Charalambous, CEO and financial expert at at Invezz, says, “Mobile homes offer financial advantages such as affordability, quick construction, lower maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and flexibility in location. They are generally more budget-friendly, can be constructed faster than traditional homes, often have lower ongoing maintenance expenses, may be designed with energy efficiency in mind, and provide flexibility in choosing where to place them, whether in mobile home parks or on private land.

“On the downside, mobile homes face challenges in terms of depreciation, potential land lease costs in mobile home parks, financing difficulties with higher interest rates and less favorable terms, limited appreciation compared to traditional homes, and potential resale challenges due to a smaller market and fewer potential buyers. These factors can impact the long-term financial outlook and wealth-building potential for individuals considering mobile homes.”