Andrey Kamenov, Ph.D. Probability and Statistics
In today’s post, we once again look into the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction data.
If you look around, you will probably notice that most homes have two-car garages. Actually, according to statistics, more than half of all new homes sold have parking facilities for exactly two cars. And even more than that, their percentage doesn’t change much with time – so it seems to be a reliable choice.
And what about other, less-common configurations? It appears that things are not so calm here.
Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of new homes sold with garages for three or more cars. We can even see the percentages change through time for each division. To play the animation, simply click on the map below.
The map becoming greener shows us the increasing percentage of multi-car parking facilities. And as you might have expected, it came at the expense of homes with a garage for only one car and those without any. Indeed, take a look at the next map:
The trend shows us that each year more families are able to afford very spacious garages. And though some of them probably use a part of the facility as a workshop or a storage, it is still apparent that cars are becoming a luxury nowadays.
About Andrey Kamenov
Andrey Kamenov, Ph.D. Probability and Statistics
Andrey Kamenov is a data scientist working for Advameg Inc. His background includes teaching statistics, stochastic processes and financial mathematics in Moscow State University and working for a hedge fund. His academic interests range from statistical data analysis to optimal stopping theory. Andrey also enjoys his hobbies of photography, reading and powerlifting.
Other posts by Andrey Kamenov:
I think the 3 car garage is now a staple in the new house market – at least in the Dallas suburbs. They are mandatory with families needing space for storage, bikes, strollers, etc. They shouldn’t even be called 3 car garages anymore since the purpose is more “2 cars and storage.”
I have a niece who’s daughter graduated from San Francisco last years. They moved from Oklahoma to San Francisco about 6 years ago and sold their car before the move. San Francisco is one town where you don’t need a car thanks to the great convenience of public transportation. They have loved every minute of living and working there while my grand niece got a top notch education!! I have visited there off and on for years and I love it too! They don’t miss not having a car at all.
Why is there a general pattern in the Lower 48 states with more car spaces per house in the Western part of the country versus the East?
Simply a reflection of lower population density, which equates to more space between places, which means more roads. Very few cities west of the Appalachians are dense enough to have really viable mass transit usefull at all times (San Francisco, Chicago) – for all the others, while there may well be busses and light rail, it is guaranteed that you will still need a car for either errands or work. Either you live near work and can take a train, or you live near stores and can take a bus. You will absolutely need a car to do anything else.