Quick Answer
The main types of community associations are homeowners associations (HOAs), condominium associations, cooperatives (co-ops) and property owners associations (POAs). They differ in what owners actually own, what the association maintains, and which state laws apply. About 373,000 associations exist in the United States, according to the research arm of the Community Associations Institute.
How Many Community Associations Are There?
The Foundation for Community Association Research, the research arm of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), estimates about 373,000 associations housing roughly 78.1 million residents in its most recent <a href="https://foundation.caionline.org/publications/factbook/statistical-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Statistical Review</a>. The figures are updated every year, so check the latest edition. This is why the question of "how many HOAs are there" has no single fixed answer: the total includes condominiums, co-ops and planned communities, not only HOAs.
The Four Main Types
| Type | What owners own | What the association maintains | Typical governing law |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOA | The home and the lot | Entrances, roads, parks, pools and other common areas | Recorded declaration, bylaws, state nonprofit and community association law |
| Condominium | A unit, plus a shared interest in the common elements | Roof, structure, hallways, grounds and amenities, and usually the master insurance | State condominium statute (such as the Michigan Condominium Act) plus the recorded documents |
| Co-op | Shares in a corporation and a proprietary lease to a unit | The building and grounds, funded by monthly maintenance charges | State corporation law, the proprietary lease and the co-op bylaws |
| POA | Their parcel or home | Common areas, amenities and often roads and shared infrastructure | Recorded declaration and bylaws; usually the same statutes as an HOA |
1. Homeowners Association (HOA)
An HOA governs a planned community of single-family homes or townhomes. Owners hold title to their home and lot, and the association maintains shared areas such as entrances, roads, parks and pools. The recorded declaration (CC&Rs) sets the rules. See how an HOA works.
2. Condominium Association
Owners hold title to a unit and share ownership of the common elements, such as the roof, structure and hallways. The association maintains and insures those shared parts. Condominiums are created under a state statute, such as the Michigan Condominium Act (<a href="https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-559-101" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MCL 559.101 and following</a>). Read our complete guide to condo associations.
3. Cooperative (Co-op)
In a co-op, a corporation owns the building. Residents buy shares in that corporation and receive a proprietary lease to a specific unit instead of owning the unit itself. The co-op board approves buyers and sets maintenance charges that cover the building's costs. Co-ops are more common in some regions, such as New York, than in Michigan or California.
4. Property Owners Association (POA)
A POA works like an HOA, but the name is often used for larger communities, rural acreage, or developments that include vacant land or mixed property types. In practice the label rarely changes how the association operates. See HOA vs. POA vs. COA.
Other Terms You Will See
- Residential association. A general term for any association of residential owners, including HOAs and condominiums.
- Common interest development (CID). The term used in California's Davis-Stirling Act for planned developments, condominiums, community apartment projects and stock cooperatives.
- Master association. An umbrella association over several smaller associations that share amenities or roads.
- Sub-association. A smaller association, often a condo or townhome group, within a larger master community.
- Townhome association. Can be structured as an HOA or a condominium depending on how the property was created.
The Davis-Stirling Act (<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=CIV&division=4.&title=6.&part=5.&chapter=&article=" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Civil Code section 4000 and following</a>) covers all of these structures in California, while Michigan splits them between the Condominium Act and the recorded documents and Nonprofit Corporation Act for other communities.
Which Type Is Right for You?
- You want a yard and exterior control: an HOA community is the most common fit.
- You want lower maintenance: a condominium moves roof, exterior and grounds work to the association. Compare costs in our guide to condo fees vs. HOA fees.
- You value buyer screening and shared ownership of the building: a co-op, where available.
Whatever the type, read the governing documents, the budget and the reserve study before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an HOA and a condo association?
HOA owners usually own the home and lot, while condo owners own a unit and share ownership of the building. See HOA vs. condo association.
Is a residential association the same as an HOA?
"Residential association" is a broad term. An HOA is one kind of residential association.
Are property owners associations regulated differently?
Generally no. Most state statutes apply based on how the association is structured, not on whether it calls itself an HOA or POA.
Do condos have HOAs?
A condominium has a condominium association, though people often call it an HOA. Some communities have both a condo association and a larger master HOA.
Which type has the highest fees?
Condo fees are often higher because they cover building systems and insurance. Amenities and reserves matter as much as the type.
How APM Helps
APM manages community associations in Michigan and California, from budgets and dues collection to vendor oversight and board meetings. See our association management services, pricing, or request a free proposal.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws and documents vary by community; ask your association's attorney about your situation. Last verified October 24, 2026.
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