Earlier this year, rental housing economist and consultant Jay Parsons parsed renter data released by multifamily REITs and found income levels rivaling those of middle-class homeowners—Equity Residential reported typical renter income of $169,000; Essex Property Trust, $131,000; and Camden Property Trust, $120,000—and rent-to-income ratios ranging from 19% to 22%.

This data proves that developers and policymakers need to update their perceptions about who today’s renters are and why they rent, Parsons says. “The bottom line is that there are a lot of people who are making good incomes and want to be renters.”

The Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies found that the number of renter households with incomes of $75,000 or more has risen 43%, to 13.5 million, since 2010. The number of affluent renters is also growing in 35 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, according to a Redfin analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau, MLS, and county records. In San Jose, California, and Orlando, Florida, about 11% of renters are wealthy; in New York and Seattle, approximately 10% are, the analysis found.

Jessica Perri, marketing director for residential property developer and manager Habitat, says the assumption that people see renting primarily as a transitional phase before homeownership has shifted. More residents are choosing to rent long term because it better aligns with their financial goals, lifestyle, and desire for flexibility, she says.

“This shift has challenged us to think beyond traditional property management and to create communities where renters can truly put down roots, build connections, and feel invested in where they live,” Perri says.

Optima president David Hovey says renters by choice are drawn as much by a sense of community as they are to concierge support, in-home package delivery, and private chefs. Optima is meeting those needs with things like expansive residents’ clubs, rooftop decks, and reservable guest suites.

“For many, what begins as a practical and often temporary decision to rent evolves into a long-term lifestyle preference,” Hovey says.

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