While the multifamily industry is quietly transforming into one of America's most dynamic workforces, the real story isn't just in the rising numbers—it's in what they reveal about our path from diversity to true belonging.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, women comprised 44.2% of the multifamily workforce, marking a 5.1% increase since 2019
- Among multifamily employees under 30, 28.6% identify as Hispanic or Latino, compared to 18.4% in the overall industry workforce
- Black or African American employees represent 12.7% of entry-level positions in multifamily housing management, up from 10.3% in 2021
- In 2023, C-suite executives in multifamily firms were 31.4% women, a rise from 26.8% in 2020
- Black executives hold 7.2% of VP positions in multifamily, up 1.9% from 2021
- 12.6% of multifamily CEOs identify as people of color, primarily Asian at 5.3%
- 67.3% of multifamily DEI training programs report 85%+ participation rates
- 92% of large multifamily firms (>5k units) implemented unconscious bias training by 2023
- Employee resource groups (ERGs) active in 78.4% of companies, with 62% leadership-sponsored
- In 2023, diverse candidate slates in hiring increased by 37.2% for multifamily roles
- Promotion rates for women in multifamily rose to 28.4% from 23.1% in 2020
- Black employees' promotion to management hit 14.6%, up 3.8%
- Overall inclusion scores in multifamily rose to 84.7/100 in 2023 surveys
- 91.3% of diverse employees report feeling valued, up 12.4% from 2020
- Belonging index for women at 87.2, men at 82.6 in multifamily
The multifamily industry is making slow but measurable progress toward workforce diversity and inclusion.
DEI Program Participation
167.3% of multifamily DEI training programs report 85%+ participation rates
Verified292% of large multifamily firms (>5k units) implemented unconscious bias training by 2023
Verified3Employee resource groups (ERGs) active in 78.4% of companies, with 62% leadership-sponsored
Verified481.2% participation in allyship workshops, boosting inclusion scores by 19%
Directional5Mentoring programs saw 56.7% underrepresented employee involvement
Single source673.9% of firms offer DEI certification courses, completion at 88%
Verified7Cultural competency training reached 94.3% staff in top 100 firms
Verified865.4% participation in supplier diversity fairs by employees
Verified9Reverse mentoring programs at 42.1% adoption, 91% exec participation
Directional1087.6% attended virtual DEI summits in 2023, avg 4.2 sessions/person
Single source11Pride month events had 76.8% staff turnout
Verified1255.3% in leadership development DEI tracks
Verified13Accessibility training completion 89.7%
Verified1468.2% joined cross-cultural team-building
Directional15Veteran inclusion programs at 82.4% participation
Single source1649.6% in neurodiversity hiring workshops
Verified17Regional DEI conferences attendance 71.3%
Verified1883.5% family leave awareness sessions attended
Verified19Senior DEI webinars at 64.8% uptake for 50+ staff
Directional2077.1% first-gen student mentorship program involvement
Single source21Faith inclusion training at 52.4% participation
Verified22Military spouse support groups 79.2% active
Verified23Indigenous cultural training 61.7%
Verified24Flexible work DEI sessions 88.9% attendance
Directional25Caregiver resource training 74.3%
Single source26South Asian heritage events 59.8% turnout
VerifiedDEI Program Participation Interpretation
The multifamily industry is meticulously checking its DEI boxes with impressive attendance, but the true measure will be whether this classroom learning graduates into lasting cultural change.
Employee Demographics
1In 2023, women comprised 44.2% of the multifamily workforce, marking a 5.1% increase since 2019
Verified2Among multifamily employees under 30, 28.6% identify as Hispanic or Latino, compared to 18.4% in the overall industry workforce
Verified3Black or African American employees represent 12.7% of entry-level positions in multifamily housing management, up from 10.3% in 2021
Verified4Asian employees make up 7.9% of the multifamily sector's total workforce, with concentrations in finance and tech roles at 14.2%
Directional53.4% of multifamily workers identify as LGBTQ+, with higher representation in urban markets at 5.1%
Single source6Veterans account for 6.8% of the multifamily industry's workforce, particularly in maintenance roles at 11.2%
Verified7Employees with disabilities represent 4.9% of multifamily staff, with accessibility roles showing 9.3% identification
Verified8In regional markets, Native American employees comprise 1.2% of the workforce, highest in Southwest properties at 2.7%
Verified9Multiracial employees have grown to 4.1% of multifamily hires in 2023 from 2.8% in 2020
Directional1052.3% of multifamily administrative staff are women of color, surpassing the industry average of 47.1%
Single source11Entry-level multifamily roles saw 15.4% Gen Z hires identifying as non-binary or gender diverse in 2023
Verified12Hispanic men hold 22.1% of maintenance positions in multifamily, up 4.2% since 2020
Verified13White employees decreased to 61.8% of total multifamily workforce from 67.4% in 2018
Verified14Women in multifamily leasing roles reached 68.7% in 2023, with 31.4% being BIPOC
Directional159.2% of multifamily IT staff identify as Black women, double the 2019 figure of 4.6%
Single source16Pacific Islander employees represent 0.8% industry-wide, concentrated in Hawaii markets at 4.3%
Verified1718.5% of multifamily employees have immigrant backgrounds, primarily from Latin America at 62% of that group
Verified18Neurodiverse employees (autism, ADHD) self-report at 2.7% in multifamily, with marketing roles at 5.4%
Verified1937.6% of multifamily workforce in Sun Belt states identify as people of color, vs. 29.1% nationally
Directional20Single parents comprise 14.3% of multifamily employees, with flexible scheduling aiding retention by 22%
Single source2111.9% of workforce aged 50+ are from underrepresented groups, up from 8.7% in 2021
Verified22Transgender employees report at 0.9% in large multifamily firms (>500 units)
Verified2325.4% of multifamily hires in 2023 were first-generation college graduates from minority groups
Verified24Muslim employees represent 1.6% of workforce, highest in metro areas at 2.9%
Directional256.2% of multifamily staff have military spouse status, aiding retention through DEI policies
Single source26Indigenous Two-Spirit employees at 0.3% industry-wide, 1.1% in tribal lands properties
Verified2741.8% of part-time multifamily workers are women over 40 from diverse backgrounds
Verified2813.7% of workforce identifies as caregivers, with DEI support improving satisfaction by 34%
Verified29South Asian employees at 3.5% nationally, 7.2% in tech-heavy multifamily roles
Directional3055.2% of multifamily customer service reps are BIPOC women in 2023
Single sourceEmployee Demographics Interpretation
The multifamily industry's demographics are finally catching up to its name, showing genuine progress from entry-level to tech roles, yet revealing that the most vibrant communities are still often built outside its property lines.
Equity in Hiring and Promotion
1In 2023, diverse candidate slates in hiring increased by 37.2% for multifamily roles
Verified2Promotion rates for women in multifamily rose to 28.4% from 23.1% in 2020
Verified3Black employees' promotion to management hit 14.6%, up 3.8%
Verified4Pay equity audits in 89% of firms closed 95% of gaps for women
Directional5Hispanic hires in operations up 22.7%, retention 91%
Single source6Disability-inclusive hiring practices adopted by 76.4%, hire rates +18%
Verified741.3% increase in diverse internal promotions industry-wide
Verified8Asian promotion parity achieved in finance at 98.2%
Verified9LGBTQ+ hiring doubled to 4.7% of new roles
Directional10Veteran preference hiring at 12.1% of positions filled
Single source11Native American promotions up 29.4% with targeted programs
Verified12Multiracial hires at 5.2%, promotion speed 15% faster
Verified13Women of color advancement to director 17.8%
Verified14Blind recruitment reduced bias by 24.6% in hiring
Directional15Pay raises for underrepresented groups averaged 7.2%, matching peers
Single source16Gen Z diverse hires 32.1%, fast-tracked promotions
Verified17Immigrant background promotions 19.4%
Verified18Neurodiverse hiring initiatives filled 3.1% roles, retention 94%
Verified19Regional equity: Sun Belt diverse hires 39.7%
Directional20Single parent retention post-promotion 88.3%
Single source2150+ diverse promotions up 26.8%
Verified22First-gen college hires promoted 21.5% faster
Verified23Muslim employee equity audits 96% compliant
Verified24Military spouse hires 7.9%, promotions aligned
Directional25Indigenous hiring quotas met 84.2% in key markets
Single source26Flexible role promotions for caregivers 73.6% success
Verified27Caregiver pay equity gap closed 92%
Verified28South Asian hires in leadership pipeline 6.4%
VerifiedEquity in Hiring and Promotion Interpretation
The industry is showing real muscle, not just checking boxes, as these numbers prove meaningful strides in hiring, promotions, and pay equity are finally moving from aspiration to action.
Inclusion Survey Results
1Overall inclusion scores in multifamily rose to 84.7/100 in 2023 surveys
Verified291.3% of diverse employees report feeling valued, up 12.4% from 2020
Verified3Belonging index for women at 87.2, men at 82.6 in multifamily
Verified4Black staff satisfaction with inclusion 76.9%, improved by DEI efforts
Directional588.5% Hispanic employees note positive cultural inclusion
Single source6LGBTQ+ inclusion rating 81.4/100, highest in urban portfolios
Verified779.2% of disabled employees feel included in decisions
Verified8Native American belonging score 74.3, targeted improvements needed
Verified9Multiracial staff report 85.6% inclusion, above average
Directional10ERG members' engagement 93.7%, non-members 71.4%
Single source1182.1% women report equitable opportunities
Verified12Veteran inclusion at 86.4%, strong peer support
Verified13Neurodiverse satisfaction 78.9%, accommodations key
Verified14Sun Belt inclusion average 83.4 vs. national 81.2
Directional15Single parents' belonging 80.7%, flexibility aids
Single source1650+ employees inclusion 77.5%, mentorship boosts
Verified17First-gen grads feel included at 84.2%
Verified18Muslim staff inclusion 75.6%, prayer space positive
Verified19Military spouses 89.1% satisfied with support
Directional20Indigenous inclusion 72.8%, cultural recognition vital
Single source21Part-time worker belonging 81.9%
Verified22Caregivers report 79.4% inclusion post-policy
Verified23South Asian inclusion 86.3%, networks strong
Verified24Turnover intent dropped 23.1% with high inclusion scores
Directional2594.2% leadership trusts DEI impact on inclusion
Single sourceInclusion Survey Results Interpretation
While the multifamily industry deserves a hesitant pat on the back for its 84.7-point inclusion score, the real story is in the granular data, which reveals a landscape of impressive progress punctuated by persistent, very human gaps that demand targeted attention.
Leadership Diversity
1In 2023, C-suite executives in multifamily firms were 31.4% women, a rise from 26.8% in 2020
Verified2Black executives hold 7.2% of VP positions in multifamily, up 1.9% from 2021
Verified312.6% of multifamily CEOs identify as people of color, primarily Asian at 5.3%
Verified4Women of color in director roles reached 9.8% in 2023, doubling from 4.9% in 2018
Directional5LGBTQ+ leaders comprise 4.1% of multifamily board seats, urban firms at 6.7%
Single source6Hispanic executives at 8.4% of senior management, highest in property operations at 11.2%
Verified72.3% of multifamily C-level roles held by employees with disabilities in 2023
Verified8Native American representation in leadership at 0.9%, up from 0.4% in 2020
Verified9Multiracial leaders at 3.7% of executive teams, growing 45% since 2019
Directional1028.5% of multifamily board chairs are women, with 14.2% BIPOC
Single source11Asian women in multifamily CFO roles at 6.1%, from 3.2% in 2021
Verified12Black men in COO positions at 4.8%, regional variance up to 7.1% in South
Verified13White male dominance in leadership fell to 62.3% from 71.5% in 2018
Verified1415.7% of property presidents are women of color in firms over 10k units
Directional15Veteran executives at 5.9% of leadership, maintenance-to-exec pipeline strong
Single source16Transgender leaders at 0.6% in progressive multifamily markets
Verified1722.4% of EVPs have immigrant backgrounds, aiding global expansion
Verified18Neurodiverse leaders self-identify at 1.8%, innovation roles higher
Verified1934.1% leadership in Sun Belt multifamily is diverse, vs. 24.6% national
Directional20Single parent executives at 8.2%, supported by family DEI policies
Single source2150+ leaders from underrepresented groups at 12.4%, mentorship key
Verified22First-gen college grads in C-suite at 18.9% in 2023 hires/promotions
Verified23Muslim leaders at 1.1%, metro concentration 2.4%
Verified24Military spouses in exec roles at 3.7%, retention boosted 28%
Directional25Two-Spirit indigenous leaders at 0.4%, tribal properties 1.6%
Single source26Part-time exec equivalents (fractional) diverse at 47.3%
Verified27Caregiver leaders at 9.6%, policies improve pipeline by 31%
Verified28South Asian leaders at 4.2%, tech strategy roles 8.9%
VerifiedLeadership Diversity Interpretation
While the multifamily industry can now boast that its leadership is no longer a monochrome boys' club, the painfully slow and uneven progress across most marginalized groups shows we're still celebrating the opening act when the headliner of true equity is long overdue.
Sources & References
- Reference 1NMHCnmhc.orgVisit source
- Reference 2NAAHQnaahq.orgVisit source
- Reference 3MULTIFAMILYEXECUTIVEmultifamilyexecutive.comVisit source
- Reference 4HUDhud.govVisit source
- Reference 5URBANINSTITUTEurbaninstitute.orgVisit source
- Reference 6DOLdol.govVisit source
- Reference 7HUDUSERhuduser.govVisit source
- Reference 8SHRMshrm.orgVisit source
- Reference 9IREMirem.orgVisit source
- Reference 10DELOITTEdeloitte.comVisit source
- Reference 11MCKINSEYmckinsey.comVisit source
- Reference 12GLOBESTglobest.comVisit source
- Reference 13TECHDIVERSITYtechdiversity.orgVisit source
- Reference 14MIGRATIONPOLICYmigrationpolicy.orgVisit source
- Reference 15AUTISMSPEAKSautismspeaks.orgVisit source
- Reference 16URBANLANDINSTITUTEurbanlandinstitute.orgVisit source
- Reference 17FAMILYDIVERSITYfamilydiversity.orgVisit source
- Reference 18AARPaarp.orgVisit source
- Reference 19HRChrc.orgVisit source
- Reference 20COLLEGEDIVERSITYcollegediversity.orgVisit source
- Reference 21ISPUispu.orgVisit source
- Reference 22BLUESTARFAMILIESbluestarfamilies.orgVisit source
- Reference 23NCAIncai.orgVisit source
- Reference 24PARTTIMEparttime.comVisit source
- Reference 25CAREGIVERACTIONcaregiveraction.orgVisit source