Updated: March 12, 2025
We surveyed over 20,000 homeowners (in the last 2 years) who needed to do home repairs about official government programs knowledge, challenges and satisfactions with home repair and improvement programs.
The first part below provides an overview of the social demographic of homeowners involved and what have been repaired with those programs.
The second part highlight where homeowners get help for their home repairs (Federal, State, County and city, Non-profits). It also goes over homeowners awareness of those programs and access to these programs.
The third part goes over homeowners’ satisfaction with the different level of programs and finally review the main barriers to fund home repairs (from personal reasons to programs’ barriers).
Social Demographic of Homeowners Using Government Home repair Programs
Who are american homeowners using official government home repair programs?
Homeowners Demographics:
Age: Most program users are older—41% are between 55-74 years old, and 27% are 74+. That means nearly 70% of participants are 55 or older, highlighting that seniors make up the bulk of applicants.
Income: Half (50%) of users earn less than $35K per year, with another 32% making between $35K-$65K. Only 18% make more than $65K. This suggests that the majority of users are lower to middle-income individuals.
Housing Type: The vast majority (79%) own single-family homes, while 13% live in mobile homes, and 8% are in condos. Considering mobile homeowners make up a small percentage of all homeowners in the U.S. (around 6-7% nationally), yet they account for 13% of users in this program. That means they are over-represented.
| Age | Income | Home | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 35-54 | 55-74 | 74+ | <$35K | $35K-$65K | >$65K | Single-Family | Condo | Mobile | |
| Average | 10% | 22% | 41% | 27% | 50% | 32% | 18% | 79% | 8% | 13% |
| Alabama | 8% | 23% | 54% | 15% | 44% | 37% | 19% | 80% | 4% | 16% |
| Alaska | 11% | 19% | 53% | 17% | 52% | 29% | 19% | 66% | 20% | 14% |
| Arizona | 16% | 20% | 42% | 22% | 39% | 38% | 23% | 80% | 7% | 13% |
| Arkansas | 18% | 22% | 39% | 21% | 53% | 28% | 19% | 79% | 3% | 18% |
| California | 11% | 21% | 45% | 23% | 37% | 38% | 25% | 80% | 14% | 6% |
| Colorado | 11% | 20% | 44% | 25% | 53% | 27% | 20% | 83% | 9% | 8% |
| Connecticut | 15% | 14% | 52% | 19% | 56% | 20% | 24% | 83% | 13% | 4% |
| Delaware | 13% | 18% | 42% | 27% | 46% | 30% | 24% | 78% | 11% | 11% |
| Florida | 4% | 10% | 57% | 29% | 58% | 31% | 11% | 66% | 15% | 19% |
| Georgia | 11% | 15% | 46% | 28% | 45% | 37% | 18% | 66% | 16% | 18% |
| Hawaii | 6% | 21% | 47% | 26% | 63% | 23% | 14% | 72% | 15% | 13% |
| Idaho | 9% | 30% | 43% | 18% | 51% | 27% | 22% | 80% | 3% | 17% |
| Illinois | 13% | 25% | 41% | 21% | 46% | 32% | 22% | 78% | 16% | 6% |
| Indiana | 14% | 22% | 39% | 25% | 55% | 28% | 17% | 82% | 7% | 11% |
| Iowa | 9% | 27% | 31% | 33% | 48% | 34% | 18% | 90% | 3% | 7% |
| Kansas | 11% | 26% | 34% | 29% | 55% | 38% | 7% | 85% | 2% | 13% |
| Kentucky | 16% | 22% | 48% | 24% | 51% | 36% | 13% | 79% | 7% | 14% |
| Louisiana | 7% | 27% | 46% | 20% | 60% | 34% | 6% | 74% | 5% | 21% |
| Maine | 11% | 17% | 45% | 27% | 46% | 32% | 22% | 89% | 2% | 9% |
| Maryland | 7% | 22% | 43% | 28% | 39% | 36% | 25% | 79% | 10% | 11% |
| Massachusetts | 11% | 25% | 38% | 26% | 35% | 45% | 20% | 83% | 13% | 4% |
| Michigan | 13% | 30% | 34% | 23% | 52% | 32% | 16% | 83% | 9% | 8% |
| Minnesota | 12% | 26% | 34% | 28% | 49% | 29% | 22% | 82% | 11% | 7% |
| Mississippi | 16% | 22% | 40% | 22% | 45% | 32% | 23% | 75% | 7% | 18% |
| Missouri | 8% | 19% | 35% | 38% | 56% | 32% | 12% | 77% | 7% | 16% |
| Montana | 10% | 16% | 39% | 35% | 46% | 34% | 20% | 91% | 2% | 7% |
| Nebraska | 11% | 20% | 34% | 35% | 52% | 32% | 16% | 85% | 3% | 12% |
| Nevada | 8% | 16% | 41% | 35% | 45% | 32% | 23% | 77% | 6% | 17% |
| New Hampshire | 4% | 22% | 50% | 24% | 58% | 26% | 16% | 91% | 2% | 7% |
| New Jersey | 3% | 26% | 43% | 28% | 43% | 32% | 25% | 85% | 13% | 2% |
| New Mexico | 11% | 24% | 47% | 18% | 54% | 36% | 10% | 78% | 7% | 15% |
| New York | 5% | 24% | 42% | 29% | 45% | 30% | 25% | 80% | 13% | 7% |
| North Carolina | 13% | 18% | 39% | 30% | 56% | 34% | 10% | 76% | 10% | 14% |
| North Dakota | 13% | 27% | 36% | 26% | 45% | 32% | 23% | 79% | 6% | 15% |
| Ohio | 11% | 22% | 44% | 33% | 57% | 32% | 11% | 74% | 8% | 18% |
| Oklahoma | 7% | 19% | 45% | 29% | 55% | 30% | 15% | 73% | 10% | 17% |
| Oregon | 4% | 25% | 34% | 37% | 47% | 32% | 21% | 73% | 9% | 18% |
| Pennsylvania | 12% | 27% | 38% | 23% | 49% | 30% | 21% | 75% | 12% | 13% |
| Rhode Island | 10% | 24% | 40% | 26% | 56% | 26% | 18% | 79% | 9% | 12% |
| South Carolina | 8% | 15% | 43% | 34% | 47% | 31% | 22% | 74% | 7% | 19% |
| South Dakota | 13% | 22% | 35% | 30% | 60% | 29% | 11% | 89% | 2% | 9% |
| Tennessee | 9% | 23% | 36% | 32% | 65% | 30% | 5% | 79% | 5% | 16% |
| Texas | 11% | 26% | 37% | 26% | 57% | 31% | 12% | 68% | 11% | 21% |
| Utah | 6% | 27% | 32% | 35% | 45% | 30% | 25% | 79% | 9% | 12% |
| Vermont | 4% | 32% | 36% | 28% | 52% | 35% | 13% | 89% | 4% | 7% |
| Virginia | 13% | 24% | 33% | 30% | 45% | 26% | 29% | 75% | 10% | 15% |
| Washington | 7% | 16% | 47% | 30% | 48% | 34% | 18% | 82% | 9% | 9% |
| West Virginia | 5% | 25% | 30% | 40% | 62% | 33% | 5% | 74% | 3% | 23% |
| Wisconsin | 10% | 23% | 47% | 20% | 45% | 32% | 23% | 81% | 7% | 12% |
| Wyoming | 4% | 31% | 39% | 26% | 54% | 27% | 19% | 89% | 2% | 9% |
How Programs Are Used
The “How Programs are Used” part of the Home Improvement & Repair Programs Survey provides insights into why homeowners seek assistance. While some reasons are expected, certain less obvious highlights include:
Energy Efficiency Upgrades: A notable portion of homeowners utilize these programs to enhance their home’s energy efficiency. This includes installing better insulation, energy-efficient windows, or modern HVAC systems. Such improvements not only reduce environmental impact but also lead to significant savings on utility bills over time.
Accessibility Modifications: Some participants seek assistance for modifications that improve accessibility, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding grab bars. These changes are essential for individuals with mobility challenges, enabling them to live more comfortably and safely in their homes.
Disaster Resilience: In regions prone to natural disasters, homeowners use these programs to strengthen their homes against events like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. This might involve reinforcing structures, elevating homes, or implementing other protective measures to mitigate potential damage.
These findings highlight the diverse and sometimes unexpected ways homeowners leverage government home repair programs to improve their living conditions.
|
Energy Efficiency |
Roof Repairs |
Window & Weatherization |
Accessibility |
HVAC Heating |
Electric | Plumbing | Structure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 21% | 11% | 17% | 8% | 16% | 9% | 5% | 4% |
| Alaska | 14% | 18% | 24% | 6% | 21% | 13% | 7% | 2% |
| Arizona | 13% | 18% | 14% | 10% | 21% | 18% | 13% | 8% |
| Arkansas | 17% | 14% | 20% | 7% | 23% | 11% | 4% | 7% |
| California | 11% | 11% | 22% | 10% | 21% | 13% | 7% | 2% |
| Colorado | 10% | 20% | 23% | 8% | 29% | 10% | 4% | 5% |
| Connecticut | 11% | 20% | 27% | 9% | 18% | 10% | 6% | 2% |
| Delaware | 14% | 9% | 18% | 8% | 26% | 19% | 10% | 9% |
| DC | 14% | 11% | 17% | 8% | 18% | 16% | 14% | 2% |
| Florida | 10% | 18% | 27% | 5% | 17% | 10% | 13% | 5% |
| Georgia | 12% | 18% | 20% | 7% | 14% | 11% | 4% | 8% |
| Hawaii | 10% | 21% | 25% | 4% | 29% | 11% | 7% | 7% |
| Idaho | 7% | 19% | 24% | 9% | 18% | 11% | 10% | 9% |
| Illinois | 13% | 18% | 24% | 6% | 17% | 16% | 12% | 3% |
| Indiana | 13% | 10% | 24% | 4% | 31% | 10% | 6% | 1% |
| Iowa | 17% | 21% | 17% | 10% | 20% | 13% | 8% | 9% |
| Kansas | 15% | 12% | 15% | 8% | 24% | 18% | 14% | 2% |
| Kentucky | 9% | 15% | 24% | 9% | 20% | 12% | 8% | 6% |
| Louisiana | 14% | 21% | 27% | 9% | 27% | 16% | 9% | 7% |
| Maine | 12% | 13% | 14% | 4% | 20% | 11% | 13% | 3% |
| Maryland | 7% | 21% | 16% | 7% | 20% | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Massachusetts | 10% | 19% | 28% | 9% | 19% | 10% | 14% | 9% |
| Michigan | 10% | 9% | 25% | 8% | 18% | 9% | 5% | 7% |
| Minnesota | 7% | 15% | 29% | 4% | 23% | 11% | 8% | 1% |
| Mississippi | 8% | 15% | 18% | 8% | 25% | 17% | 11% | 4% |
| Missouri | 10% | 19% | 13% | 6% | 26% | 18% | 14% | 7% |
| Montana | 17% | 14% | 21% | 10% | 30% | 18% | 14% | 8% |
| Nebraska | 10% | 9% | 22% | 5% | 24% | 14% | 11% | 9% |
| Nevada | 12% | 16% | 17% | 6% | 23% | 17% | 14% | 8% |
| New Hampshire | 8% | 20% | 16% | 4% | 29% | 11% | 12% | 3% |
| New Jersey | 13% | 11% | 14% | 4% | 24% | 9% | 8% | 3% |
| New Mexico | 7% | 20% | 16% | 5% | 30% | 10% | 8% | 4% |
| New York | 8% | 11% | 16% | 10% | 15% | 11% | 5% | 3% |
| North Carolina | 17% | 19% | 18% | 5% | 20% | 15% | 11% | 1% |
| North Dakota | 7% | 17% | 24% | 7% | 22% | 16% | 10% | 9% |
| Ohio | 17% | 12% | 23% | 10% | 18% | 11% | 12% | 7% |
| Oklahoma | 14% | 17% | 19% | 9% | 29% | 8% | 7% | 6% |
| Oregon | 15% | 12% | 28% | 6% | 16% | 12% | 6% | 9% |
| Pennsylvania | 8% | 17% | 29% | 4% | 28% | 17% | 10% | 3% |
| Rhode Island | 10% | 14% | 23% | 4% | 23% | 15% | 12% | 2% |
| South Carolina | 8% | 17% | 22% | 10% | 28% | 10% | 8% | 3% |
| South Dakota | 13% | 11% | 16% | 6% | 24% | 14% | 10% | 4% |
| Tennessee | 8% | 17% | 17% | 6% | 25% | 11% | 10% | 1% |
| Texas | 7% | 9% | 16% | 5% | 22% | 15% | 13% | 6% |
| Utah | 7% | 16% | 16% | 6% | 19% | 11% | 9% | 2% |
| Vermont | 13% | 18% | 24% | 5% | 16% | 11% | 9% | 7% |
| Virginia | 7% | 17% | 14% | 10% | 22% | 9% | 13% | 7% |
| Washington | 10% | 15% | 27% | 7% | 16% | 19% | 6% | 1% |
| West Virginia | 9% | 11% | 22% | 8% | 19% | 16% | 5% | 4% |
| Wisconsin | 15% | 9% | 19% | 6% | 29% | 8% | 8% | 7% |
| Wyoming | 6% | 21% | 27% | 5% | 23% | 19% | 8% | 3% |
Main Observations:
Critical Structural Maintenance – Many homeowners apply for assistance to keep key structural components like roofs and windows in good condition.
- – A damaged roof can lead to leaks, mold, and structural instability.
- – Old or broken windows reduce insulation, making homes harder to heat/cool and more vulnerable to storms.
Safety-Related Repairs (Plumbing & Electrical Systems)
- – Faulty electrical systems can pose a serious fire risk, so repairs are often necessary to bring homes up to code and prevent hazards.
- – Plumbing issues, such as leaky pipes or failing water heaters, can lead to water damage, mold growth, and unsanitary conditions.
Health & Livability Factors
- – Mold prevention (from leaks or poor ventilation) is critical for respiratory health.
- – Heating system repairs ensure homes stay warm in winter, reducing risks of hypothermia for elderly residents.
- – Septic system repairs can prevent groundwater contamination and health hazards.
End Note
The data strongly underline that homeowners aren’t using these programs for convenience or aesthetic upgrades—they’re using them to keep their homes livable, safe, and structurally sound.
Next Part: where homeowners get help for their home repairs (Federal, State, County and city, Non-profits). It also goes over homeowners awareness of those programs and access to these programs.