US Home Sales & Real Estate Statistics
The US housing market remains one of the most significant drivers of household wealth and economic activity. With median prices near $412,000 and 30-year mortgage rates at 6.8%, affordability is at its most stretched level since the 1980s. Track the key metrics below.
Understanding the US Housing Market
The US housing market is shaped by a fundamental imbalance: demand consistently outpaces supply. Decades of under-building following the 2008 financial crisis left a structural shortfall estimated at 3.8 million homes. The pandemic era exacerbated this, as remote work drove migration to sunbelt cities while construction costs surged. Even with housing starts recovering toward 1.4 million annually, closing the supply gap will take a decade at current build rates.
Affordability has deteriorated sharply. The combination of home prices rising 25% since 2020 and mortgage rates more than doubling from 2021 lows means the monthly payment on the median home has increased by over $900 since 2021 — a 65% jump. At 6.8% on a $330,000 loan (after 20% down on a $412,000 home), the monthly principal and interest payment is approximately $2,154. Adding property taxes and insurance typically brings total monthly costs to $2,800–$3,200, requiring household income of ~$100,000–$115,000 to stay within the 28% guideline.
The "lock-in effect" is suppressing supply of existing homes. Over 70% of current US mortgage holders have rates below 4%, and many are reluctant to sell and take on a new loan at 6.8%. This has kept existing home inventory unusually low, keeping prices elevated despite affordability pressure. New construction has partially filled the gap, but builders face their own cost pressures from labor shortages and elevated material prices.
Regional Price Breakdown
| Region | Median Price | YoY Change | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $412,000 | +3.2% | Stretched |
| Northeast | $495,000 | +2.1% | Very stretched |
| Midwest | $305,000 | +4.1% | Moderate |
| South | $375,000 | +3.8% | Stretched |
| West | $565,000 | +1.9% | Very stretched |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in the US?
The median existing home sale price in the US is approximately $412,000 as of May 2026, up 3.2% from a year ago. New home prices are higher at ~$442,500. Prices vary enormously by region — from $305,000 in the Midwest to $565,000 in the West.
Is now a good time to buy a home?
That depends on your personal financial situation, local market, and how long you plan to stay. The buy-vs-rent calculation currently favors renting in most high-cost markets given price-to-rent ratios above 20. However, if rates fall and you plan to stay 7+ years, buying can still make long-term financial sense. The opportunity cost of waiting if prices continue rising must also be weighed.
What is a buyer's market vs a seller's market?
A seller's market exists when inventory is below 4 months of supply — homes sell quickly, often at or above asking price. A buyer's market (6+ months supply) gives buyers negotiating power. The current US market at 4.2 months is balanced, though many individual metros remain firmly in seller's territory due to local supply constraints.
How do interest rates affect home prices?
Higher rates reduce monthly affordability, shrinking the pool of qualified buyers. This puts downward pressure on prices — but the 2022–2024 experience showed that severely constrained inventory can offset this pressure. The "lock-in effect" (existing homeowners staying put to preserve low rates) kept supply tight enough to maintain prices even as sales volume dropped 40% from peak.
What income do I need to buy a median-priced home?
At $412,000 with 20% down ($82,400), you'd borrow $329,600. At 6.8%, the monthly P&I payment is ~$2,154. Adding property taxes (~$430/mo) and insurance (~$150/mo) brings total housing costs to ~$2,734/month. To keep housing below 28% of gross income, you'd need ~$9,764/month or ~$117,200/year in gross household income.
Market Health Signals
15-Year Fixed vs 30-Year
| Term | Rate | Monthly* | Total Interest* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year | 6.80% | $2,154 | $446,000 |
| 20-year | 6.45% | $2,481 | $265,000 |
| 15-year | 6.15% | $2,805 | $175,000 |
*Based on $329,600 loan (80% LTV on $412,000 home)