NATIONAL ISSUE · HOUSING
The American Dream
now costs 5x your income.
It used to cost 3.7x.
Source-verified data from U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors, and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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From $92K to $417K in 40 years
That's a 353% increase. Inflation accounts for only 190%.
$92,000
1986
$140,000
1996
$417,000
2025
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Home prices grew 353%. Incomes grew 233%.
The gap widens every year.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (home prices) | Federal Reserve FRED (median household income)
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It takes 5 years of income to buy a median home.
In 1986, it took 3.7 years.
1986
3.7x
Median home price divided by median household income
1996
3.9x
Median home price divided by median household income
2025
5.0x
Median home price divided by median household income
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First-time buyers are now 10 years older.
The delay costs a decade of equity building.
1980s
Age 25-28
2024
Age 35-38
Source: National Association of Realtors (Homebuyer Age Trends)
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Breaking down the crisis
Why owning and renting are both harder than ever.
Average Down Payment
$83,400
20% of median home price
Monthly Mortgage Payment
~$2,800
30-year loan at 7% rate
Rent-Burdened Households
32%
Pay >50% of income on rent
Housing Unit Shortage
4.5M
Units needed vs. supply
Sources: Freddie Mac (rates/supply) | HUD (rent burden) | NAR (down payment) | Up for Growth (shortage)
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Radical Sourcing
Sources and Methodology
All figures sourced from official government agencies, Federal Reserve data, and industry-standard real estate research. Inflation adjustments calculated using BLS CPI. Price-to-income ratios calculated as median home price divided by median household income for the given year.
U.S. Census Bureau
Historical median home sales prices
Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Median household income data
National Association of Realtors
Homebuyer demographics and affordability index
Bureau of Labor Statistics
CPI inflation calculator
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Housing cost burden statistics
Freddie Mac
Mortgage rates and housing supply data
Up for Growth
National housing shortage analysis
Catalyst Patriot - A Catalyst USA Project
1986: $92,000 / $24,900 (3.7x)
2025: $417,000 / $83,000 (5.0x)