From bustling metropolises to quaint rural towns, real estate agents and realtors play a pivotal role in facilitating property transactions across the United States and beyond. Let’s talk about how many realtors there are in the US.
In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the numbers to answer burning questions such as “How many realtors are there in the US?” and “How many real estate agents are there in the US?” Additionally, we’ll examine the distribution of realtors per state, various cities, and even extend our inquiry to Canada.
How Many Realtors Are There in the US?
To provide an accurate answer to the primary question, let’s first distinguish between real estate agents and realtors. While all realtors are real estate agents, not all real estate agents are realtors. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), bound by a strict code of ethics and standards.
As of the latest available data, there are approximately 1.6 million real estate agents in the United States. However, the exact number of realtors—those who hold membership in the NAR—is slightly lower at around 1.5 million realtors.
As of May 2024, there were over 3 million active real estate licenses across the United States, according to the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) and a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
These professionals operate in various capacities, including residential and commercial sales, property management, appraisals, and more.
That’s the main reason why there are so many more active licenses than active real estate agents.
The number of agents in the industry often varies with the state of the housing market. For example, in 2021, there was an unprecedented surge in new agents, with over 156,000 people entering the field in 2020 and 2021 combined—an increase of nearly 60% compared to the previous two years.
How Many Realtors Are There Per State?
Now, let’s zoom in on the distribution of realtors across the US states. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the number of realtors and real estate agents in each state:
| State | Number of Realtors | Number of Real Estate Agents |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 18,158 | 17,047 |
| Alaska | 1,945 | 1,830 |
| Arizona | 54,427 | 51,171 |
| Arkansas | 10,703 | 10,062 |
| California | 202,970 | 190,863 |
| Colorado | 28,347 | 26,661 |
| Connecticut | 19,162 | 18,015 |
| Delaware | 4,328 | 4,070 |
| Florida | 218,906 | 205,945 |
| Georgia | 46,077 | 43,259 |
| Hawaii | 10,294 | 9,675 |
| Idaho | 11,586 | 10,885 |
| Illinois | 50,015 | 47,014 |
| Indiana | 20,400 | 19,176 |
| Iowa | 7,993 | 7,515 |
| Kansas | 10,483 | 9,849 |
| Kentucky | 12,932 | 12,159 |
| Louisiana | 16,632 | 15,614 |
| Maine | 5,560 | 5,223 |
| Maryland | 27,692 | 26,033 |
| Massachusetts | 26,262 | 24,673 |
| Michigan | 35,660 | 33,546 |
| Minnesota | 21,950 | 20,633 |
| Mississippi | 7,364 | 6,922 |
| Missouri | 25,347 | 23,810 |
| Montana | 5,612 | 5,278 |
| Nebraska | 5,433 | 5,106 |
| Nevada | 19,526 | 18,372 |
| New Hampshire | 6,571 | 6,178 |
| New Jersey | 61,129 | 57,478 |
| New Mexico | 7,463 | 7,014 |
| New York | 62,971 | 59,121 |
| North Carolina | 52,984 | 49,846 |
| North Dakota | 2,088 | 1,960 |
| Ohio | 35,743 | 33,596 |
| Oklahoma | 13,610 | 12,787 |
| Oregon | 18,511 | 17,405 |
| Pennsylvania | 38,460 | 36,181 |
| Rhode Island | 5,437 | 5,109 |
| South Carolina | 24,582 | 23,086 |
| South Dakota | 2,239 | 2,106 |
| Tennessee | 33,984 | 31,965 |
| Texas | 148,424 | 139,489 |
| Utah | 19,763 | 18,579 |
| Vermont | 1,822 | 1,712 |
| Virginia | 36,283 | 34,089 |
| Washington | 22,924 | 21,537 |
| West Virginia | 3,269 | 3,071 |
| Wisconsin | 16,375 | 15,396 |
| Wyoming | 2,553 | 2,400 |
| Washington DC | 3,114 | 2,927 |
| Guam | 593 | 558 |
| Puerto Rico | 1,030 | 968 |
| Virgin Islands | 372 | 349 |
| All US | 1,548,058 | 1,454,668 |
How Many Realtors Are There in Canada?
Turning our attention northward, Canada boasts its own cohort of real estate professionals. While the structure and terminology may differ slightly from the US, the industry remains robust. As of recent statistics, Canada is home to approximately 170,000 real estate agents, with the exact number of realtors—the CREA is akin to NAR members in the US—being slightly lower.
Which US Cities Have the Most Realtors?
| Metropolitan Area | Realtors | Employment/1000 Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Ft Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 11,070 | 4.22 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 9,350 | 3.06 |
| Dallas-Ft Worth-Arlington, TX | 9,290 | 2.44 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 7,250 | 2.66 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 7,200 | 3.24 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 6,040 | 0.66 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 5,720 | 0.94 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 5,080 | 3.91 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 3,920 | 2.53 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 3,840 | 2.81 |
What are the Best Cities to Become an Agent?
The best cities or areas for becoming a real estate agent can vary based on factors such as job opportunities, market demand, housing affordability, and quality of life. Here are ten cities or areas that are often considered favorable for real estate agents:
New York City: The vibrant real estate market in NYC offers diverse opportunities, especially for agents specializing in luxury properties or niche markets.
Los Angeles: LA’s sprawling metropolitan area provides ample opportunities for real estate agents, with a diverse range of neighborhoods and property types.
Dallas-Fort Worth: The DFW area consistently experiences strong population growth and a robust housing market, making it an attractive location for real estate professionals.
Miami: Miami’s dynamic real estate scene, fueled by international buyers and a booming luxury market, offers lucrative opportunities for ambitious agents.
San Francisco Bay Area: Despite high housing costs, the Bay Area’s tech-driven economy and demand for housing make it a lucrative market for real estate agents.
Seattle: Seattle’s thriving economy, fueled by tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, translates to a strong demand for housing and steady business for real estate agents.
Denver: Denver’s strong job market, outdoor lifestyle, and relatively affordable housing compared to other major cities make it an appealing location for real estate agents.
Austin: Austin’s rapid population growth, vibrant culture, and booming tech scene contribute to a thriving real estate market with ample opportunities for agents.
Nashville: Nashville’s growing population, diverse economy, and lively entertainment scene have led to a hot real estate market, making it an attractive location for real estate agents.
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: The Research Triangle area, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, benefits from a strong economy driven by universities and research institutions, offering opportunities for real estate agents in both residential and commercial sectors.
These cities represent just a few examples of locations where becoming a real estate agent can be rewarding. Ultimately, the best city or area for a real estate agent depends on individual preferences, market conditions, and personal career goals.
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Related FAQs
What is the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is licensed to help people buy, sell, or rent real estate. A realtor is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adheres to its strict Code of Ethics.
How many realtors are there in the United States?
As of the latest available data, there are approximately 1.3 million realtors in the United States.
What is the distribution of realtors by state in the US?
The number of realtors varies by state, with populous states like California, Florida, and Texas having higher numbers, while smaller states like Vermont and Wyoming have fewer realtors.
How many real estate agents are there in the United States?
There are approximately 1.4 million real estate agents in the United States.
What is the ratio of realtors to real estate agents in the United States?
The ratio of realtors to real estate agents in the United States is approximately 1:1.07.
What is the role of a realtor in a real estate transaction?
A realtor helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties by facilitating negotiations, handling paperwork, and providing guidance throughout the transaction process. They also provide market expertise and represent their clients’ interests.
How does one become a realtor?
To become a realtor, one must first obtain a real estate license in their state and then join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) by becoming a member of a local realtor association.
Are there regulations governing the conduct of realtors?
Yes, realtors are bound by a strict Code of Ethics enforced by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This code outlines professional standards of conduct and ethical behavior that realtors must adhere to in their dealings with clients and other real estate professionals.
How does the number of realtors in Canada compare to that in the United States?
While specific data may vary, Canada is estimated to have a comparable number of real estate professionals per capita as the United States, with hundreds of thousands of licensed agents and brokers operating across the country.
What factors contribute to the variation in the number of realtors by state?
Factors influencing the number of realtors in each state include population size, housing market dynamics, economic conditions, regulatory environment, and the overall demand for real estate services. States with rapidly growing populations or robust housing markets tend to have higher numbers of realtors.
Conclusion
The real estate landscape in both the United States and Canada is teeming with dedicated professionals committed to facilitating property transactions and serving clients’ needs.
From coast to coast, realtors and real estate agents play a vital role in driving the housing market and shaping communities. Understanding the sheer numbers of these professionals provides valuable insight into the industry’s scope and impact.
Whether you’re considering a career in real estate or simply curious about the field, these figures offer a glimpse into its vast ecosystem.
