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Housing Affordability Lags Historical Averages Across the U.S.
The latest U.S. Home Affordability Report from ATTOM shows that in 99% of counties with sufficient data to analyze, median-priced single-family homes and condominiums were less affordable in the second quarter of 2025 than historical averages. It marks the 14th consecutive quarter where purchasing and maintaining a median-priced home in the U.S. has required a higher percentage of the typical owner’s wages than has historically been necessary.
ATTOM’ said its analysis shows that major expenses for a median-priced home in the U.S. would have consumed 33.7% of the average American’s annual income. That was up from 32% in Q1 2025 and well above the 28% share typically recommended by lenders.
“The squeeze is really on for would-be buyers as we go into the summer, which is usually when the housing market is most active,” said Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM. “Prices just continue to rise and there’s been no relief on mortgage rates. Meanwhile, typical wages are barely increasing from quarter-to-quarter.”
Since Q1 2020, the median cost to purchase a home in the U.S. has increased 55.7%. The average wage in the U.S, meanwhile, has only risen by 26.6%.
