More Six-Figure Earners Renting Than Ever Before

Don't have enough stacked in your account for a down payment on a house? You're not alone, and you're becoming even less-lonely there.

Raking in six figures a year still may not be enough to buy a home these days. In fact, The Wall Street Journal reports that "a record number of six-figure-income families rent" in 2019.

About 19 percent of U.S. households with six-figure incomes rent their homes, up from about 12 percent in 2006. Why? Experts say meager savings coupled with high student debt is to blame.

“The lack of savings for a down payment in this country is grossly underestimated,” says housing analyst John Pawlowski. According to his estimate, the typical renter has a net worth of only about $5,500--even if they take home six-figure salaries.

Meanwhile, more rental companies are starting to build and buy suburban properties catering to richer renters, who tend to have steadier incomes and want to stay put--even if it means a rent increase--for the sake of good public schools nearby.

Everyone knows it's becoming harder and harder to buy in the Treasure Valley. Homes typically sell after only a couple days on the market, so if you don't have that down payment handy or another plan setup, renting could be more long term for you.