Although the average family size has contracted by 20% since 1970, the average home size has increased by 50%. Les Christie’s fun article Honey, I stretched the house — again [CNN/Money] [1] provides some insight on what has changed in the average house (hint: its not just square footage).
Here’s a few stats on square footage and amenities that have changed as a reflection of consumer tastes changing:
1973: 40% had less than 2 baths
2005: 5% had less than 2 baths
1988: 11% larger than 3,000 square feet
2005: 23% larger than 3,000 square feet
1950: 90 square foot average kitchen size
2005: 285 square foot average kitchen size
1973: 23% had 4 bedrooms or more
2005: 39% had 4 bedrooms or more
1973: <50% had air conditioning
2005: 89% had air conditioning
1971: 39% had 2-car garages
2005: 84% had 2-car garages
Who says consumer needs don’t change?