When you're looking to buy a new home in the U.S., you don't just pick a floor plan-you pick a builder. And one name keeps showing up at the top: DR Horton. Since 2018, they’ve consistently built more homes than any other company in the country. In 2025 alone, DR Horton delivered over 87,000 new homes across 30 states. That’s more than the entire population of Austin, Texas, living in houses they built in a single year.
How DR Horton Became the Largest Home Builder
DR Horton didn’t get there by accident. Founded in 1978 by Don Horton in Texas, the company started small-building one house at a time. But their strategy was simple: build smart, build fast, and build where people are moving. They focused on affordable, entry-level homes in growing suburbs. While other builders chased luxury markets, DR Horton doubled down on first-time buyers, military families, and young professionals.
By the mid-2000s, they had already become the #1 builder by volume. Their secret? Vertical integration. They own their own lumber yards, roofing suppliers, and even a mortgage company. This cuts out middlemen, reduces delays, and keeps prices low. In 2025, their average home price was $342,000-well below the national median for new construction.
Who Else Is in the Top 5?
DR Horton leads, but they’re not alone. The next four largest home builders in the U.S. in 2025 were:
| Rank | Company | Homes Built in 2025 | Average Home Price | Primary Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DR Horton | 87,200 | $342,000 | Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina |
| 2 | Lennar | 78,900 | $385,000 | California, Arizona, Florida, Colorado |
| 3 | PulteGroup | 64,300 | $412,000 | Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Texas |
| 4 | Taylor Morrison | 49,100 | $435,000 | Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Nevada |
| 5 | Truman | 46,800 | $398,000 | Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri |
Lennar is the closest competitor, especially in California and Florida. They’re known for tech-forward homes with smart thermostats, keyless entry, and energy-efficient designs. PulteGroup leans into family-friendly neighborhoods with large yards and community pools. Taylor Morrison targets move-up buyers-people trading up from their first home. Truman, a Midwest-heavy builder, has quietly grown by focusing on affordability in smaller metro areas.
Why Volume Matters More Than You Think
Building 87,000 homes a year isn’t just about numbers. It means DR Horton has unmatched leverage with suppliers. They buy steel, drywall, and windows in bulk, often at 20-30% less than smaller builders. That savings gets passed to buyers. It also means they can hire and train thousands of workers every year, creating consistent quality control.
Smaller builders might offer more customization, but they often struggle with delays. A 2024 study by the National Association of Home Builders found that homes built by top-5 volume builders had a 37% lower rate of construction delays than regional builders. That’s because they’ve perfected their processes-like building 15 homes on one street at the same time, using the same blueprint, same crew, same schedule.
What You Should Look for Beyond Size
Just because DR Horton builds the most homes doesn’t mean they’re the best fit for everyone. If you’re looking for:
- Custom floor plans → Look at smaller, local builders or boutique firms like Pulte’s Del Webb communities or Taylor Morrison’s Heritage line.
- High-end finishes → Lennar’s One series or Toll Brothers in luxury markets.
- Energy efficiency → Pulte’s EcoSmart homes or Lennar’s Next Gen line with solar-ready roofs.
- Fast closing → DR Horton and Truman both average 60-75 days from contract to move-in.
Also, check warranty terms. All top builders offer 1-year workmanship warranties and 10-year structural coverage. But some include free maintenance visits, appliance replacements, or even landscaping for the first year. DR Horton includes one free landscaping service in most regions. Lennar offers a 24/7 homeowner app for service requests. These details matter more than who built the most homes.
Regional Differences Matter
There’s no single “best” builder nationwide. In Florida, DR Horton and Lennar dominate. In the Pacific Northwest, smaller builders like John L. Scott or TruHome have stronger reputations for craftsmanship. In the Midwest, Truman and Pulte lead because they understand local zoning, weather patterns, and buyer preferences better than national chains.
Even within states, builder strength varies. In Texas, DR Horton builds in Houston, Dallas, and Austin-but in San Antonio, Meritage Homes is the top seller. In Arizona, Taylor Morrison outsells everyone in Phoenix, but in Tucson, Del Webb is the leader.
What’s Changing in 2026?
Interest rates are easing, and demand is rising again. Builders are shifting focus. DR Horton is now building more ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and tiny home communities for multi-generational families. Lennar is testing modular homes built off-site and shipped in. Pulte is expanding into mixed-use developments with retail and walkable parks.
What’s clear: the days of builders just slapping up cookie-cutter homes are fading. Even the biggest players are now offering more design choices, sustainable materials, and flexible floor plans. The #1 builder isn’t just the one who builds the most-it’s the one adapting fastest to what buyers actually want.
Is DR Horton the best home builder for first-time buyers?
Yes, DR Horton is often the top choice for first-time buyers. They offer low down payments (as low as 3%), flexible credit requirements, and homes starting under $300,000 in many markets. Their mortgage arm, DR Horton Mortgage, also offers streamlined approval processes. Many first-time buyers appreciate the simplicity: pick a model, choose finishes, and move in in under three months.
Do top builders use the same materials everywhere?
Not always. While the core structure (framing, insulation, roofing) is standardized, finishes vary by region. A DR Horton home in Florida might have impact-resistant windows and tile flooring, while the same model in Minnesota uses thicker insulation and hardwood floors. Builders adjust materials based on climate, local codes, and buyer preferences.
Can you negotiate with large home builders?
Yes-but not on the base price. Top builders rarely budge on the price of the home itself. But they often offer upgrades: free flooring upgrades, appliance packages, landscaping, or even closing cost credits. Ask for “builder incentives” or “move-in specials.” These can be worth $10,000-$20,000. Timing matters too: builders are more flexible at the end of quarters or during slow seasons.
Are large builders reliable in terms of quality?
Generally, yes. The top five builders have tighter quality control than smaller companies because they build so many homes. They use standardized inspections, trained crews, and digital tracking systems. However, some buyers report issues with drywall cracks or minor finish flaws. These are usually fixed under warranty. Always review the builder’s warranty terms before signing.
Should I avoid small local builders?
No. Local builders often offer more customization and better customer service. If you want a truly unique home or are building on your own lot, a local builder might be the better choice. Just make sure they’re licensed, insured, and have at least 5-7 years of experience. Check their recent projects and talk to past buyers. Many local builders have better reputations for responsiveness than national chains.