By Toni Gonzales
A new study reveals the five states with highest home ownership rates in the nation, and the results will just might surprise you.

5 States With Highest Home Ownership Rates
1. Maine

Maine stands proudly and prominently at the top of the list. The northeastern state has almost 3,500 miles of coastline and yields almost 100-million pounds of lobster each year. Both are compelling reasons for Maine to be number one, in our book. Well that, and the possibility for a reasonably priced, fabulous beach house.
In all, the number of owner-occupied housing units totals 437,858.38, which then compared to the total population of 1,338,404 results in a home ownership rate of 32.71% and the top spot on the list.
Could you endure the cold, snowy winters for a crack at owning your own home? Apparently, a lot of people can.
2. West Virginia

In second place is West Virginia. It’s known for its breathtaking, mountainous beauty in the Fall, and for numerous scenic creeks and rivers. West Virginia’s population is 1,805,832 and the number of owner-occupied housing units is 580,539 giving the state a 32.15% home ownership rate.
The state is closely matched with the third place state that is just to the north and is also known for its Fall foliage.
3. Vermont

Vermont and West Virginia have almost the same home ownership rate – Vermont at 32.11% compared to West Virginia’s 32.15%. This is despite the large disparity in population the two states register: in fact, West Virginia’s population is 1,805,832 and the number of owner-occupied housing units is 580,539; while in Vermont the population amounts to 626,299 and the number of owner-occupied housing units is 201,094, more than half the numbers of the former.
Homeowners in Vermont hardly have much to feel bad about though. Vermont, is home to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and some of the best maple syrup in the nation. Both compelling reasons to buy a home there.
4. Wyoming

Wyoming is the only state on this top five list that is not on the East Coast. Perhaps it’s the sprawling natural landscapes offered by Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons that make folks want to set down roots. Regardless of the why, it’s fair to say Wyoming boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
As the second and third place states were so close in numbers, so too are the states in the fourth and fifth positions. Wyoming has 30.30% of its residents owning a home. With a population of 577,737, Wyoming has 175,072.02 owner-occupied housing units.
5. Missouri

Missouri is the only state in the top five to come from the middle of the nation. Ranked in fifth place on the list, Missouri is home to The Ozarks, Mark Twain and adorable, charming houses with plenty of yard space.