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U.S. Single-Family Rents Rise Slowest in 15 Years

10/23/2025

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In August 2025, U.S. single-family rents rose 1.4%, the slowest in over 15 years, per Cotality's Single-Family Rent Index.
The growth cooled from a 3% year-over-year rise, and Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia posted 4.7%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, while Dallas fell 0.6% due to multifamily construction.
High-end rentals grew 1.6% and low-end rentals 1.1%.
The national median rent in September 2025 was $1,394, down $11 from the previous year.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. housing market crisis began in 2006, following a dramatic 124% increase in home prices from 1998 to 2006. By 2008, home values had plummeted by approximately 30%, leading to widespread foreclosures and a significant economic downturn. This crisis, fueled by subprime lending and lax regulations, contributed to the Great Recession, profoundly impacting housing investments and rental markets in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.

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Story summary

In August 2025, U.S. single-family rents rose 1.4%, the slowest in over 15 years, per Cotality's Single-Family Rent Index.
The growth cooled from a 3% year-over-year rise, and Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia posted 4.7%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, while Dallas fell 0.6% due to multifamily construction.
High-end rentals grew 1.6% and low-end rentals 1.1%.
The national median rent in September 2025 was $1,394, down $11 from the previous year.

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