The average size of apartments in the United States has been steadily decreasing over the past decade. Studio and one-bedroom units are shrinking to as little as 300-400 square feet in some major metropolitan areas. While these “micro” living spaces appeal to some due to their affordability and efficiency, critics argue they compromise livability. So are miniature apartments the new norm, or just a passing fad?
Looking at national trends and regional differences, we’ll explore the debate around small space living and its implications for renters, developers, and urban planners.
Current Statistics on Average Apartment Sizes
According to the 2022 RentCafe National Rent Report, the average size of all new apartment construction last year was 887 square feet. This represents a decrease of 30 square feet from 2021 and 54 square feet from 2012, when the average unit was 941 square feet.
When we break it down by apartment type, studios averaged 503 square feet nationally, which was a record low. One-bedroom units averaged 741 square feet, also a new small. Two-bedrooms came in at 1,064 square feet on average.
Over the past decade, studios and one-bedrooms have taken the biggest hit in terms of shrinking footprints. From 2012 to 2022, studios declined by 6% while one-bedrooms decreased 4% on average.
Factors Driving the Decrease in Size
Several factors likely contribute to the decline in average apartment square footage over the past 10 years:
- High demand for urban housing, especially in expensive cities like New York and San Francisco.
- Increase in micro and small-format apartments appealing to single residents.
- Focus on affordability to attract cost-conscious renters, students, and downsizing empty nesters.
- Trend toward more open layouts that make spaces feel larger than their square footage.
In essence, the tiny living movement has gone mainstream. While once considered niche, micro apartments of less than 350 square feet are gaining ground across the country.
The Rise of Micro Apartments
The micro apartment trend traces back to cities with expensive real estate and dense populations like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. With limited space and sky-high rents, developers targeted urban professionals willing to sacrifice size for a downtown address.
Micro units generally range from about 250 to 375 square feet. They consolidate the kitchen, living, sleeping, and sometimes even bathing functions into one highly efficient space. Typical floor plans maximize every inch with futuristic modular furniture and multi-functional design.
Benefits of Tiny Living
For developers, micro apartments provide big benefits:
- Low-cost new construction and higher ROI per square foot.
- Appeal to millennials and downsizing boomers not needing much room.
- Chance to offer lower rent prices to compete for tenants.
Meanwhile, renters enjoy:
- Affordable housing prices in desirable downtown areas.
- Less space to furnish and clean with lower utility bills.
- Opportunity to live a minimalist, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Criticisms of Micro Apartments
Despite their practical appeal, many complain micro apartments just aren’t livable:
- Too small for couples or having guests over.
- Lack of privacy and quiet in close quarters.
- Not enough room for large furniture like beds and couches.
- Tiny kitchens and bathrooms feel cramped.
- Little space for storage and possessing many belongings.
Some also argue micro apartments could negatively impact property values, parking, and congestion if overbuilt in a neighborhood.
Regional Differences in Apartment Sizes
While micro apartments are taking off in certain metropolitan areas, average sizes still vary greatly by location. Here are some regional insights from the data:
- The South has the largest average unit sizes at 927 square feet.
- The Northeast comes in second at 891 square feet.
- The West ranks third with 872 square feet on average.
- The Midwest lags behind at 832 square feet.
- The Pacific Northwest has the smallest average unit size at just 801 square feet.
Larger average sizes in the South could be attributed to more suburban development with fewer space constraints. The Northeast likely reflects a greater mix of pre-war buildings with spacious layouts balancing new construction. Out West, the popularity of micro apartments pulls down averages.
Why Locations Impact Apartment Sizes
Even within the same metropolitan area, the optimal apartment size may vary greatly for renters. Factors like:
- Neighborhood land values.
- Proximity to downtown and transportation.
- Parking availability.
- Number of household members.
- Lifestyle needs and priorities.
Ultimately, there is no universal ideal size. The “best” apartment footprint depends on your individual circumstances and geographic location.
Optimal Layouts for Small Spaces
Just because an apartment is miniature doesn’t mean it can’t be mighty. With smart layout and design choices, small spaces can feel expansive and highly functional.
Efficient Studio Floor Plans
Studios present challenges given the combined living and sleeping area. Solutions include:
- Placing the bed in a separate alcove instead of the main room.
- Elevating the bed on a lofted platform to open up floor space.
- Using a murphy bed that folds into the wall.
- Dividing the studio into separate zones for sleeping, living, and dining.
Maximizing Micro One-Bedrooms
One-bedrooms with under 500 square feet require careful space planning:
- Stick to only essential furniture in the living room.
- Use nested coffee and side tables that can tuck away.
- Opt for a sleeper sofa instead of a bulky couch.
- Select a small console table instead of a full-sized dining set.
Design Elements That Enhance Small Spaces
Visually enlarging any petite apartment, utilize:
- Light, neutral color palettes.
- Floor-to-ceiling mirrors.
- Open shelving to avoid bulky cabinets.
- Uncluttered wall decor.
- Multi-purpose furniture like ottomans with storage.
- Extended height ceilings and large windows where possible.
The Developer’s Perspective
Micro apartments didn’t become prevalent by accident. Several factors make small units highly attractive from a developer’s perspective.
Smaller Spaces Equal Big Cost Savings
Building less square footage translates to major construction cost savings:
- Reduced materials needed for framing and finishes.
- Lower project labor costs with faster build-out.
- Allows greater density of units per building.
For a 100-unit building, switching from 800 to 500 square foot units could conservatively save $2 million.
The Demand for Affordable Housing
Micro apartments enable developers to offer lower price points catering to:
- Cash-strapped renters like students and young professionals.
- Middle-income households priced out of larger units nearby.
- Individuals willing to downsize from unaffordable one-bedrooms.
Smaller units fill a niche demand while also optimizing profits. It’s a win-win for project feasibility.
Is There a Downsize Backlash?
Despite their financial upside, micro apartments face objections from some renters and critics. The pushback includes:
Livability Concerns
detractors argue tiny spaces compromise basics like:
- Comfortable sleeping arrangements.
- Having people over.
- Finding privacy and alone time.
- Adequate storage.
- Being able to unpack and spread out.
These complaints question if smaller units provide a reasonable standard of living.
Fears About Reduced Amenities
Some renters worry shrinking square footage will lead developers to cut amenities like:
- On-site parking.
- In-unit laundry.
- Outdoor space and recreation areas.
Lobbies and community rooms.
However, so far amenity spaces have not seen major reductions in new projects with micro units.
Municipal Regulations
City governments hesitant about micro living have introduced regulations such as:
- Minimum unit square footages.
- Required ratios of larger multi-bedroom units.
- Caps on micro apartment density per acre.
- Stricter parking and traffic mitigation rules.
Time will tell if tighter standards stall the tiny apartment trend or not.
The View from Abroad: Tiny Living Around the World
Dense Asian cities like Tokyo and Hong Kong have long embraced hyper-efficient small apartments. And micro housing is sprouting across major European hubs like London, Paris, and Amsterdam. What can we learn from their experience?
Factors That Enable Tiny Living Abroad
Abroad, other factors beyond affordability drive small space living, like:
- Extremely high urban density.
- Limited private auto usage with robust public transit.
- A cultural acceptance of smaller, minimalist living arrangements.
With land scarcity acute in global gateway cities, micro apartments are often the only option within reach for average residents.
Innovations in Layout and Design
Micro developments overseas pioneer space-saving hacks like:
- Beds that lift into the wall.
- Built-in transformable furniture.
- Modular wall systems.
- Creative multi-purpose common areas.
We can take inspiration from these clever configurations to make the most of tiny US spaces too.
Are Smaller Apartments Here to Stay?
Looking ahead, the expert verdict seems to be that micro living is more than just a fleeting trend. While exact size fluctuations will continue, apartments are unlikely to seen a major boost again anytime soon.
Ongoing Demand Drivers
Factors likely to sustain demand for small units include:
- Persistent housing shortages in thriving metro areas.
- Millennials and empty nesters valuing location over space.
- Ongoing unaffordability of larger apartments.
- Climate and sustainability concerns.
Developers will cater to these groups with new micro products as long as profitability remains.
The Outlook for Design Innovations
Expect continual improvements in how micro spaces are configured through:
- More built-in and flexible multi-use furniture.
- Trends like moveable room dividers.
- Advancing modular construction methods.
- Creative use of windows, lighting, and mirrors.
- Common social spaces in lieu of larger units.
Necessity continues to be the mother of invention when it comes to small space dwelling.
Average apartment sizes, most notably studios and one-bedrooms, have shrunk markedly over the past decade. While micro living isn’t for everyone, these tiny spaces reflect realities like high urban density and costs.
Developers will likely continue building more compact units to appeal to cash-strapped renters. However, concerns persist around potential livability, amenity, and policy impacts.
The future is almost certainly not a one-size-fits-all vision. Instead, we can expect a diverse range of floor plans optimized for different lifestyles, stages, and locations.
Even a 300 square foot apartment can provide the complete experience that renters want. The appeal is less about square footage and more about how cleverly that space gets used. The tiny home movement shows that for many, liberty comes from living small.
