United States Housing Affordability Index: Median Family Income data was reported at 77,021.000 USD in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 76,754.000 USD for Sep 2018. United States Housing Affordability Index: Median Family Income data is updated monthly, averaging 53,251.500 USD from Jan 1989 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 358 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 77,021.000 USD in Oct 2018 and a record low of 33,287.000 USD in Jan 1989. United States Housing Affordability Index: Median Family Income data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Association of Realtors. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB018: Housing Affordability Index.

First launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) in November 2013, the Location Affordability Index (LAI) provides ubiquitous, standardized household housing and transportation cost estimates at the Census block-group level for the majority of the populated area of the United States. Because what is affordable is different for everyone, users can choose among eight household profiles—which vary by household income, size, and number of commuters—and see the impact of the built environment on affordability in a given neighborhood location while holding household demographics constant.

In Version 1, these estimates were originally generated with data from several federal sources and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data from Illinois EPA using separate OLS regression models for household housing costs, VMT, car ownership, and transit usage. Version 2, in addition to updating all the constituent data sources, represents a significant a methodological and technical advance from Version 1, modelling auto ownership, housing costs, and transit usage for both homeowners and renters are concurrently using simultaneous equation modeling (SEM) to capture the interrelationship of these factors. The inputs to the SEM include these six endogenous variables and 18 exogenous variables, with VMT still modeled separately due to data limitations.

To learn more about the Location Affordability Index (v.2.0) visit: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/location-affordability-index/, for questions about the spatial attribution of this dataset, please reach out to us at GISHelpdesk@hud.gov. Data Dictionary: DD_Location Affordability Indev v.2.0 Date of Coverage: 2008-2012

United States Housing Affordability Index: Fixed data was reported at 146.900 NA in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 147.400 NA for Sep 2018. United States Housing Affordability Index: Fixed data is updated monthly, averaging 127.900 NA from Jan 1989 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 357 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 212.800 NA in Jan 2013 and a record low of 97.600 NA in May 1989. United States Housing Affordability Index: Fixed data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Association of Realtors. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB018: Housing Affordability Index.

The Housing Affordability Index value in the United States plummeted in 2022, surpassing the historical record of ***** index points in 2006. In 2024, the housing affordability index measured **** index points, making it the second-worst year for homebuyers since the start of the observation period. What does the Housing Affordability Index mean? The Housing Affordability Index uses data provided by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It measures whether a family earning the national median income can afford the monthly mortgage payments on a median-priced existing single-family home. An index value of 100 means that a family has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a home. The higher the index value, the more affordable a house is to a family. Key factors that drive the real estate market Income, house prices, and mortgage rates are some of the most important factors influencing homebuyer sentiment. When incomes increase, consumer power also increases. The median household income in the United States declined in 2022, affecting affordability. Additionally, mortgage interest rates have soared, adding to the financial burden of homebuyers. The sales price of existing single-family homes in the U.S. has increased year-on-year since 2011 and reached ******* U.S. dollars in 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Housing Affordability Index (Fixed) (FIXHAI) from Apr 2024 to Apr 2025 about fixed, housing, indexes, and USA.

First launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) in November 2013, the Location Affordability Index (LAI) provides ubiquitous, standardized household housing and transportation cost estimates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Because what is affordable is different for everyone, users can choose among eight household profiles—which vary by household income, size, and number of commuters—and see the impact of the built environment on affordability in a given location while holding household demographics constant.

Version 3 updates the constituent data sets with 2012-2016 American Community Survey data and makes several methodological tweaks, most notably moving to modeling at the Census tract level rather at the block group. As with Version 2, the inputs to the simultaneous equation model (SEM) include six endogenous variables—housing costs, car ownership, and transit usage for both owners and renters—and 18 exogenous variables, with vehicle miles traveled still modeled separately due to data limitations.To learn more about the Location Affordability Index (v.3) visit: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/location-affordability-index/, for questions about the spatial attribution of this dataset, please reach out to us at GISHelpdesk@hud.gov. Date of Coverage: 2012-2016 Data Dictionary: DD_Location Affordability Indev v.3.0LAI Version 3 Data and MethodologyLAI Version 3 Technical Documentation

United States Housing Affordability Index: Monthly Principal and Interest Payment data was reported at 1,092.000 USD in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,085.000 USD for Sep 2018. United States Housing Affordability Index: Monthly Principal and Interest Payment data is updated monthly, averaging 783.000 USD from Jan 1989 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 358 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,207.000 USD in Jul 2006 and a record low of 568.000 USD in Feb 1994. United States Housing Affordability Index: Monthly Principal and Interest Payment data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Association of Realtors. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB018: Housing Affordability Index.

United States Housing Affordability Index: Mortgage Rate data was reported at 4.770 % in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.780 % for Aug 2018. United States Housing Affordability Index: Mortgage Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 6.470 % from Jan 1989 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 357 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.590 % in Jun 1989 and a record low of 3.430 % in Dec 2012. United States Housing Affordability Index: Mortgage Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Association of Realtors. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB018: Housing Affordability Index.

The Location Affordability Index (LAI) helps to better understand the combined cost of housing and transportation. First launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) in November 2013, the LAI provides ubiquitous, standardized household housing and transportation cost estimates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Because what is affordable is different for everyone, users can choose among eight household profiles—which vary by household income, size, and number of commuters—and see the impact of the built environment on affordability in a given location while holding household demographics constant.

United States Housing Affordability Index: Payment as a % of Income data was reported at 17.000 % in Oct 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 17.000 % for Sep 2018. United States Housing Affordability Index: Payment as a % of Income data is updated monthly, averaging 19.200 % from Jan 1989 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 358 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 24.700 % in Jul 2006 and a record low of 11.700 % in Jan 2013. United States Housing Affordability Index: Payment as a % of Income data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Association of Realtors. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB018: Housing Affordability Index.

This map uses a two-color thematic shading to emphasize where areas experience the least to the most affordable housing across the US. This web map is part of the How Affordable is the American Dream story map.

Esri’s Housing Affordability Index (HAI) is a powerful tool to analyze local real estate markets. Esri’s housing affordability index measures the financial ability of a typical household to purchase an existing home in an area. A HAI of 100 represents an area that on average has sufficient household income to qualify for a loan on a home valued at the median home price. An index greater than 100 suggests homes are easily afforded by the average area resident. A HAI less than 100 suggests that homes are less affordable. The housing affordability index is not applicable in areas with no households or in predominantly rental markets . Esri’s home value estimates cover owner-occupied homes only. For a full demographic analysis of US growth refer to Esri's Trending in 2017: The Selectivity of Growth.

The pop-up is configured to show the following 2017 demographics for each County and ZIP Code:

Total Households 2010-17 Annual Pop Change Median Age Percent Owner-Occupied Housing Units Median Household Income Median Home Value Housing Affordability Index Share of Income to Mortgage

West Virginia and Kansas had the lowest cost of living across all U.S. states, with composite costs being half of those found in Hawaii. This was according to a composite index that compares prices for various goods and services on a state-by-state basis. In West Virginia, the cost of living index amounted to **** — well below the national benchmark of 100. Virginia— which had an index value of ***** — was only slightly above that benchmark. Expensive places to live included Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California. Housing costs in the U.S. Housing is usually the highest expense in a household’s budget. In 2023, the average house sold for approximately ******* U.S. dollars, but house prices in the Northeast and West regions were significantly higher. Conversely, the South had some of the least expensive housing. In West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana, the median price of the typical single-family home was less than ******* U.S. dollars. That makes living expenses in these states significantly lower than in states such as Hawaii and California, where housing is much pricier. What other expenses affect the cost of living? Utility costs such as electricity, natural gas, water, and internet also influence the cost of living. In Alaska, Hawaii, and Connecticut, the average monthly utility cost exceeded *** U.S. dollars. That was because of the significantly higher prices for electricity and natural gas in these states.

The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) Traditional Housing Affordability Index (HAI) measures the percentage of households that can afford to purchase the median priced home in the state and regions of California based on traditional assumptions. C.A.R. also reports its traditional and first-time buyer indexes for regions and select counties within the state. The HAI is the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for buyers in the state.

United States Housing Affordability Index: Median Price data was reported at 260,500.000 USD in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 268,200.000 USD for Aug 2018. United States Housing Affordability Index: Median Price data is updated monthly, averaging 167,800.000 USD from Jan 1989 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 357 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 276,500.000 USD in Jun 2018 and a record low of 90,300.000 USD in Jan 1989. United States Housing Affordability Index: Median Price data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Association of Realtors. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB018: Housing Affordability Index.

The Location Affordability Index (LAI) helps to better understand the combined cost of housing and transportation. The LAI estimates the percentage of a family’s income dedicated to the combined cost of housing and transportation in a given _location. Because what is “affordable” is different for everyone, users can choose among a diverse set of family profiles—which vary by household income, size, and number of commuters—and see the affordability landscape for each in a given neighborhood, city, or region.

Table indicating Housing Affordability Indexes by quarter, most recently Q3, 2023, for cities in the State of Washington.

The Location Affordability Index is an indicator of housing and transportation costs at the neighborhood level. It gives the percentage of a given family's income estimated to be spent on housing and transportation costs in a given location for eight different household profiles. It is calculated using actual and modeled data for Census block groups in all 942 Combined Base Statistical Areas, which cover 94% of the U.S. population.

United States Housing Affordability Index: Qualifying Income data was reported at 52,320.000 USD in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 53,904.000 USD for Aug 2018. United States Housing Affordability Index: Qualifying Income data is updated monthly, averaging 37,488.000 USD from Jan 1989 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 357 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 57,936.000 USD in Jul 2006 and a record low of 27,264.000 USD in Feb 1994. United States Housing Affordability Index: Qualifying Income data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Association of Realtors. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.EB018: Housing Affordability Index.

According to the Healthcare Affordability Index survey conducted in 2021, around 49 percent of adults in the U.S. with an annual household income of less than 24 thousand U.S. dollars are 'cost insecure', while a further 14 percent are 'cost desperate'. This statistic illustrates the ability of Americans to afford quality healthcare in the U.S. in 2021 according to the Healthcare Affordability Index, by income.

Portugal, Canada, and the United States were the countries with the highest house price to income ratio in 2024. In all three countries, the index exceeded 130 index points, while the average for all OECD countries stood at 116.2 index points. The index measures the development of housing affordability and is calculated by dividing nominal house price by nominal disposable income per head, with 2015 set as a base year when the index amounted to 100. An index value of 120, for example, would mean that house price growth has outpaced income growth by 20 percent since 2015. How have house prices worldwide changed since the COVID-19 pandemic? House prices started to rise gradually after the global financial crisis (2007–2008), but this trend accelerated with the pandemic. The countries with advanced economies, which usually have mature housing markets, experienced stronger growth than countries with emerging economies. Real house price growth (accounting for inflation) peaked in 2022 and has since lost some of the gain. Although, many countries experienced a decline in house prices, the global house price index shows that property prices in 2023 were still substantially higher than before COVID-19. Renting vs. buying In the past, house prices have grown faster than rents. However, the home affordability has been declining notably, with a direct impact on rental prices. As people struggle to buy a property of their own, they often turn to rental accommodation. This has resulted in a growing demand for rental apartments and soaring rental prices.