Why “Shrinking Households” Deserve Our Attention in Mohave County Lake Havasu City–Kingman

There’s a quiet shift happening in our housing market here in northwestern Arizona — and it’s one that doesn’t make headlines the way rising prices or low inventory do. Instead, it comes down to something simpler: how many people are living in each home. That might seem like a small detail at first, but when household sizes change significantly, it can ripple through the entire local real estate landscape.

A recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) article dives into this trend — especially for the Lake Havasu City–Kingman metro area — and the findings are worthy of our attention. You can read the full article here.

A Decade of Change: Fewer People per Household

Over the past decade, the average household size in the U.S. has dropped from about 2.65 people in 2014 to 2.50 in 2024 — a meaningful shift in how Americans live. But in Lake Havasu City–Kingman, that trend is even more dramatic.

Here’s the standout data:

In 2014, the average household had about 2.47 people.

By 2024, that number had fallen to just 1.96 people per household — one of the largest declines in the country.

That means more homes are needed for the same number of people. Even if the local overall population isn’t growing fast, housing demand doesn’t slow down — because more households are forming as couples age, kids grow up and move out, or individuals choose to live alone.

What’s Driving This Trend?

The article points to a few big social and demographic forces:

Aging population: As people live longer and retire here, more households end up with just one occupant — especially when spouses pass away or partners move into assisted living.

Lifestyle shifts: Younger adults are marrying later, delaying starting families, or choosing single-person living.

Household composition: With smaller families and fewer kids at home, it’s natural that the number of people under one roof would shrink.

Together, those shifts mean that even if Mohave County’s population doesn’t spike, the number of households keeps growing. That’s important for buyers, sellers, and agents alike.

Why It Matters for Mohave County Real Estate

At first glance, we often look at headlines about prices, interest rates, and inventory. But shrinking household size affects all of those:

Demand stays robust: More households mean more buyers, even without rapid population growth.

Different home types gain appeal: Smaller homes, condos, or houses well-suited for single occupants become increasingly desirable.

Market nuance for agents: Knowing that households are changing helps realtors guide clients more strategically — especially when matching home size and lifestyle preferences.

A Real Lesson for Local Markets

The takeaway? Real estate isn’t just about how many people are here — it’s about how they live. In communities like Lake Havasu City and Kingman, changing household makeup tells us that housing needs are evolving. That’s something buyers, sellers, and industry pros should keep in mind as we plan, invest, and make decisions in the years ahead.

If you’re curious to explore that data in more depth, check out the full article directly on NAR’s blog here. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in Mohave County Real Estate, we’d be glad to help. Contact us today!