D.R. Horton: The #1 Home Builder in the USA (2025 Ranking)
Top U.S. Homebuilder Comparison Tool
| Builder | Homes Delivered (2023) | Revenue (2023, USD billions) | Market Share % |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.R. Horton | 86,000 | 33.5 | 12.8 |
| Lennar | 73,000 | 30.2 | 10.9 |
| PulteGroup | 69,000 | 28.1 | 10.4 |
Current Leader: D.R. Horton
Lead by: 13,000 homes
D.R. Horton is a U.S.-based home construction company that has led the industry in volume and revenue for over a decade. Founded in 1978, the firm delivers single‑family homes, townhomes and multifamily rentals across 29 states and the District of Columbia. According to the latest NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) statistics, D.R. Horton built 86,000 homes in 2023, cementing its position as the nation’s #1 home builder.
Why "#1" Matters: Defining the Metric
When we talk about the #1 home builder, we usually look at three hard numbers: homes delivered, annual revenue, and market share in the U.S. residential construction sector. The NAHB publishes quarterly reports that rank builders by these criteria, while Bloomberg and Fortune track revenue. In 2023, D.R. Horton topped all three categories, outpacing its nearest rival Lennar by roughly 15% in units and 12% in revenue.
Key Players in the U.S. Home‑Building Landscape
Beyond D.R. Horton, several other firms dominate the market. Each brings a distinct business model, geographic focus and price tier.
- Lennar - the second‑largest builder, known for its “Everything’s Included” packages and strong presence in the Sun Belt.
- PulteGroup - a diversified brand portfolio that targets mid‑range to upscale buyers.
- Toll Brothers - the premier luxury home builder, focusing on high‑margin custom projects.
- KB Home - a volume builder that emphasizes energy‑efficient homes.
- NVR - operates under the Ryan Homes and NVHomes banners, with a strong foothold in the Midwest.
These companies together account for more than 60% of all new single‑family homes built in the United States.
Comparing the Top Three Builders
| Builder | Homes Delivered (2023) | Revenue (2023, USD billions) | Market Share % |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.R. Horton | 86,000 | 33.5 | 12.8 |
| Lennar | 73,000 | 30.2 | 10.9 |
| PulteGroup | 69,000 | 28.1 | 10.4 |
The table makes it clear: D.R. Horton leads on volume, revenue and overall market share. Its aggressive land‑acquisition strategy, paired with an efficient production line that can close a house in under 90 days, drives the edge.
How D.R. Horton Grows: Strategic Levers
Several business levers help D.R. Horton stay ahead of the pack:
- Geographic diversification - The company operates in low‑cost markets like Texas and the Midwest, while also holding a foothold in high‑price regions such as California.
- Land‑banking model - By purchasing large tracts of developable land well before demand spikes, D.R. Horton secures pricing power and reduces construction delays.
- Standardized floor plans - Over 250 repeatable designs enable economies of scale in procurement and labor.
- Vertical integration - In‑house mortgage, title and insurance services streamline closing and improve cash flow.
- Technology adoption - AI‑driven pricing tools and BIM (Building Information Modeling) cut waste and improve build quality.
These tactics not only enhance profitability but also insulate the builder from regional downturns.
The Bigger Picture: U.S. Housing Market Context
Understanding why D.R. Horton is #1 also requires a look at the broader market. The U.S. housing market saw a 3.4% YoY increase in new‑home starts in 2023, rebounding from pandemic‑year volatility. Median home prices rose to $416,500, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Meanwhile, the Construction Cost Index grew 5.1% year‑over‑year, driven by lumber and labor shortages.
These macro‑trends favor builders that can lock in land costs early and move projects quickly-exactly what D.R. Horton does.
What Buyers Gain From the #1 Builder
Homebuyers often wonder whether “big” means “better.” With D.R. Horton, the advantages are tangible:
- Consistent quality standards across regions, meaning a buyer in Ohio gets a similar finish to a buyer in Arizona.
- Stronger warranty programs-D.R. Horton offers a 10‑year structural warranty on most homes.
- Financing ease-its in‑house mortgage arm streamlines approvals and often offers competitive rates.
- Community amenities-many developments include parks, walking trails and schools, driven by the company’s “community‑first” philosophy.
Potential Risks and How D.R. Horton Mitigates Them
No industry is without challenges. For D.R. Horton, the chief risks include rising material costs, regulatory changes and regional economic slowdowns. The builder counters these with:
- Long‑term contracts with suppliers to lock in prices.
- Active lobbying through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to shape favorable zoning and building codes.
- Diversified portfolio that spreads exposure across 30+ markets.
These practices keep earnings relatively stable even when interest rates climb.
Future Outlook: Will D.R. Horton Stay on Top?
Analysts at Morgan Stanley project that D.R. Horton’s home‑delivery volume will grow 4-5% annually through 2028, driven by continued demand for affordable single‑family homes. The firm has also announced a $1.2billion investment in sustainable building practices, aiming for Net‑Zero carbon footprints on new projects by 2035.
If trends hold-steady population growth, limited housing inventory and persistent demand for entry‑level homes-D.R. Horton is well positioned to retain its #1 status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria determine the #1 home builder in the USA?
Industry rankings typically use homes delivered, annual revenue and market share. Sources like the NAHB, Bloomberg and Fortune compile these numbers each year, and the builder that tops all three is considered #1.
How many homes did D.R. Horton build in 2023?
D.R. Horton delivered 86,000 single‑family homes and townhomes in 2023, the highest volume of any U.S. builder.
Is D.R. Horton focused only on affordable housing?
While the company’s core strength is high‑volume, mid‑range homes, it also offers premium models in select markets and has a growing line of luxury townhomes.
How does D.R. Horton’s warranty compare to other builders?
The builder provides a 10‑year structural warranty, which is longer than the industry average of 5-7 years offered by most competitors.
What impact does the Construction Cost Index have on home prices?
A rising Construction Cost Index pushes material and labor expenses up, which builders often pass on to buyers. D.R. Horton mitigates this by locking in supplier contracts years in advance.
Will D.R. Horton continue to be the top builder in 2025?
Projections from major analysts suggest D.R. Horton will maintain its lead, thanks to strong land banks, diversified markets and a focus on affordable housing that matches buyer demand.