AUSTIN, Texas – The rent-to-own industry generated $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and served 6.7 million American households, according to a new survey from the Association of Professional Rental Organizations.

The findings highlight the industry’s continued importance amid elevated interest rates, inflationary pressures and strain on household budgets. As many consumers seek alternatives to traditional financing, rent-to-own provides a flexible way to access essential household goods without taking on long-term debt obligations.

“This new data reflects what our members have been seeing at the store level: More Americans are turning to rent-to-own as a flexible way to access the products they need,” said Charles Smitherman, CEO of APRO. “At the end of the day, people need a bed to sleep in, a refrigerator to keep their food cold and a couch to relax on after a long day at work. Rent-to-own provides a flexible path to those essentials.”

The survey’s findings include:

  • More than 2.1 million customers had active agreements at the end of 2025.
  • Approximately 1 in every 20 U.S. households used rent-to-own services during the year.
  • The sector supports more than 34,000 full-time employees, including about 31,000 store-level employees and 3,500 support staff.

The report shows that rent-to-own maintains a diverse and expanding customer base across income levels and life stages. The largest customer age group remains 35 to 54 years old, representing more than half of all users. Income distribution also underscores broad accessibility:

  • 17.9% report household incomes of $50,000-$74,999.
  • 19.8% report household incomes of $75,000-$99,999.
  • 17.1% report household incomes of $100,000-$149,999.

A defining aspect of the rent-to-own industry continues to be its service-first approach, according to the report. Nearly all dealers provide free service, parts and labor, along with loaner products during repairs, reinstatement programs and early purchase options.

“Rent-to-own is about more than providing access to items. It’s about providing peace of mind,” Smitherman said. “When a refrigerator, washer, or computer stops working, the cost and inconvenience can be overwhelming for many families. That’s why our members go beyond the transaction, offering service, repairs, loaner products and other protections designed to keep customers up and running without unexpected expenses.”

The 2026 Industry Health Survey shows that rent-to-own continues to evolve while expanding its role in the U.S. economy.  

“As consumers continue to seek flexible ways to access the products they need, we believe the industry is well positioned for future growth,” Smitherman said. “The combination of consumer choice, strong service and ongoing innovation is helping rent-to-own remain a trusted option for millions of households across the country.”