Research Reports

This study focused on homeownership rates in rural Pennsylvania municipalities. The research indicated that rural municipalities experienced similar changes in homeownership rates as the state as a whole, with some variation between the types of rural municipalities. Overall, rural Pennsylvania municipalities experienced a decline of about 1 percentage point in homeownership rates and an increase of about 3 percent in homeownership units during the same period. Based on the results, the researcher suggests that it is essential for researchers and government agencies to continue investigating these recent changes in homeownership, especially in the context of rural areas. Efforts could focus on assisting or preserving existing homeowners, such as senior citizens and low-and moderate-income homeowners, who are most likely to be negatively affected by changes in economic or housing conditions.