Who Is the #1 Home Builder in the United States? 2025 Rankings Revealed

If you’re planning a new build, the first question most buyers ask is "Who’s the biggest, most reliable builder out there?" In 2025 the answer is clear: D.R. Horton is the leading home builder in the United States, topping the market by volume, revenue, and geographic reach. Founded in 1978, D.R. Horton has grown into a national powerhouse that delivers over 55,000 homes a year across 27 states. Below we break down why D.R. Horton holds the top spot, how it stacks up against the other major players, and what you should look for when choosing a builder for your dream home.

How the #1 Builder is Determined

Industry analysts use a handful of hard numbers to rank builders. The most common metrics are:

• Homes Completed: Total number of dwellings finished in the fiscal year.
• Revenue: Gross earnings reported in the latest SEC filing.
• Market Share: Percentage of new single‑family homes sold nationally.
• Customer Satisfaction: Scores from the J.D. Power Home Builder Survey.
• Geographic Coverage: Number of states where the builder is active.

When you line up every major U.S. builder against these criteria, D.R. Horton consistently leads in homes completed, revenue, and coverage, while staying near the top for satisfaction scores.

Inside D.R. Horton - Why It Leads the Pack

Here’s a snapshot of D.R. Horton’s 2024 performance:

• Homes Completed: 55,200
• Annual Revenue: $27.9billion
• Market Share: 11.3% of U.S. single‑family starts
• Average Home Price: $380,000
• States Served: 27 (including high‑growth markets like Texas, Florida, and Arizona)
• J.D. Power Score 2024: 4.0/5

The company’s success stems from a few key strategies:

1. Scale economies: Buying materials in bulk keeps costs down, allowing competitive pricing.
2. Diversified brand portfolio: From entry‑level Haven homes to luxury Custom Cottages, they cover every budget.
3. Land acquisition focus: Owning land outright reduces reliance on third‑party developers and speeds up construction.
4. Technology adoption: 3‑D modeling and prefab components shorten build times and improve quality control.

Because of these moves, D.R. Horton not only builds more houses but also delivers them faster and often with fewer defects than smaller competitors.

Top 5 U.S. Home Builders - 2024 Comparison

The table shows why D.R. Horton edges out the competition: it builds the most homes, generates the highest revenue, and offers the broadest geographic reach while keeping prices in the national median range.

Evaluating a Builder - Checklist for Prospective Buyers

Even if a builder tops the rankings, you need to verify that they’re a good fit for your project. Use this short checklist before signing a contract:

• License & Insurance: Confirm the builder holds a valid state license and carries workers’ compensation and liability coverage.
• Local Reputation: Talk to recent homeowners in the community; ask about build quality and post‑sale service.
• Warranty Terms: Look for a minimum 10‑year structural warranty and a 1‑year workmanship guarantee.
• Quality Controls: Does the builder use third‑party inspections, punch‑list processes, and documented QA procedures?
• Customization Options: Assess how flexible the floor‑plan and finish selections are for your taste.
• Timeline Transparency: Request a detailed construction schedule with milestones and penalties for delays.
• Financial Stability: Check recent earnings reports; a builder with strong cash flow is less likely to halt projects.

Cross‑checking these items against any of the top five builders will give you confidence that you’re not just picking the biggest name, but the right partner for your home.

Tips for Buying a New Home from a Major Builder

Working with a large builder like D.R. Horton comes with its own set of advantages and pitfalls. Here are practical tips to maximize value:

1. Visit Model Homes Early: Walk through several models to gauge build quality and finish standards.
2. Negotiate Upgrade Packages: Even large builders have room for negotiation on upgrades, especially if you’re buying early in the development phase.
3. Ask About Energy‑Efficiency Incentives: Many builders offer rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances or solar‑ready roofs.
4. Secure Financing Quickly: Builders often have preferred lenders who can lock in rates and move the closing date forward.
5. Review the HOA Documents: Large developments usually have homeowners’ associations; know the fees and rules before you commit.
6. Get a Third‑Party Home Inspection: Even with a builder‑provided warranty, an independent inspector can spot hidden issues before you sign.

Following these steps helps you avoid the “one‑size‑fits‑all” trap and tailor the home to your lifestyle.

What’s Next? Staying Informed After Your Choice

Once you’ve picked a builder, keep an eye on a few ongoing metrics:

• Quarterly earnings releases - they hint at any supply‑chain hiccups that could delay construction.
• Customer satisfaction surveys - a dip could signal emerging quality concerns.
• Local market trends - pricing and inventory shifts may affect your purchase power.

Staying proactive lets you address problems early, whether it’s a delayed permit or a change in material costs.