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Homeowners associations (HOAs) are rapidly becoming a defining characteristic of the American housing landscape. According to the latest data from the Foundation for Community Association Research, nearly 78.1 million Americans, roughly one in three, now live in HOA-governed communities. This shift reflects broader trends in how housing is developed and maintained across the country.
Researchers say growth is propelled by an evolution in residential development. Over the past several decades, local governments and homebuilders have increasingly leaned on HOAs to manage shared infrastructure, amenities and long-term maintenance obligations. This approach allows municipalities to reduce public costs while enabling developers to build neighborhoods with attractive amenities, like open space, walking paths or fitness centers.
That trend is especially evident in new home sales. An estimated 81% of newly built homes nationwide are now located within community associations, signaling a significant shift for future homebuyers. For many, HOA living is the primary path to homeownership.
For buyers, this model offers several advantages. HOA communities often provide shared amenities, predictable maintenance and structured governance, which can simplify ownership and enhance quality of life. From a broader market perspective, HOAs also support housing supply by enabling higher-density development and helping local governments manage infrastructure demands more effectively.
“Community associations are a proven housing model that strengthens communities,” says Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, chief executive officer of Community Associations Institute. “They provide professionally maintained common areas, shared amenities, and a framework that brings neighbors together while protecting property values and building stronger, more connected communities.”
In Oregon, HOA adoption is growing steadily, though at a more moderate pace than the national average. The state is home to approximately 4,200 HOAs, with about 587,000 residents, roughly 14% of the population, living in these communities. This places Oregon 25th nationwide in HOA concentration.
While breakout data for Central Oregon was unavailable, the region continues to experience strong residential housing growth. HOAs play a key role in that expansion, particularly in newer developments where coordinated planning, shared amenities and open space preservation are priorities.
Oregon’s relatively lower HOA penetration compared to national figures suggests there is still room for growth. The state’s unique blend of urban centers and environmentally focused communities also influences how HOAs are structured and utilized. In many cases, they serve as a way to balance development with natural surroundings, and provide new shared spaces while supporting growth.
As housing demand continues to rise, Oregon appears poised to follow the same long-term trajectory seen nationwide, one where HOAs play an increasingly central role in shaping communities and delivering new housing options.
“The data shows that HOA living has become a defining model of American homeownership,” says Jake Gold, CAE, executive director of the Foundation for Community Association Research. “Its continued growth reflects the confidence of homebuilders, buyers, and local governments in a model that supports long term stability and well planned communities.”
