Fact Check: Only 23% of Black residents in Baltimore are homeowners!

Fact Check: "Only 23% of Black residents in Baltimore are homeowners!"

What We Know

The claim that only 23% of Black residents in Baltimore are homeowners lacks sufficient support from credible data. According to the iEmergent Blog, the Black homeownership rate in Baltimore is approximately 47% as of 2025. This figure indicates a significant difference from the claim made. Additionally, a report from the Baltimore Business Journal highlights that there has been a gap of about 30% in homeownership rates among Black residents compared to other demographics, but it does not support the specific 23% figure.

Furthermore, historical data from the Abell Foundation shows that the Black homeownership rate in Baltimore fell from 51% to 42% between 2007 and 2017, suggesting that while there has been a decline, the current rate is still above 23%.

Analysis

The claim's credibility is questionable due to the lack of reliable sources to back it up. The primary source for the claim appears to be anecdotal or misinterpreted data. The statistics from the iEmergent Blog and the Baltimore Business Journal provide a more accurate picture of the homeownership landscape in Baltimore.

The Key Trends report states that the overall homeownership rate in Baltimore is around 40%, but does not break it down specifically by race. This suggests that while homeownership is a significant issue, the claim about Black homeownership being at 23% is likely exaggerated or misrepresented.

Moreover, the Abell Foundation's report indicates a downward trend in Black homeownership but does not corroborate the 23% figure, further casting doubt on the claim's validity.

In summary, the sources that provide the most reliable data indicate a Black homeownership rate significantly higher than 23%. The disparity in homeownership rates among different racial groups is a critical issue in Baltimore, but the claim in question appears to be misleading.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that only 23% of Black residents in Baltimore are homeowners is not supported by credible data. The available statistics indicate that the actual rate is closer to 47%. This discrepancy suggests that further research is necessary to clarify the state of homeownership among Black residents in Baltimore and to understand the broader context of housing in the city.

Sources

1. Key Trends
2. Percent of Residents - Black/African-American (Non-Hispanic)
3. Canva: Visual Suite for Everyone
4. Baltimore's Shifting Housing Landscape | iEmergent Blog
5. Canva Free | Design anything, together and for free
6. Baltimore homeownership stagnates amid pandemic
7. Download the Canva Desktop App for Free — Canva
8. Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership in Baltimore City