A recent analysis by Zillow reveals that the affordability of typical U.S. homes has declined substantially since 2020. In 2020, a household earning the median income could afford a typical home, but today, such a household would require an additional $17,670 in annual income to meet the cost. The median-priced home is currently valued around $367,969 to over $422,000, with buyers needing a salary close to or exceeding $100,000 to afford monthly mortgage payments. The required income to purchase a median-priced home is now approximately 56% higher than the current median household income, which stands at about $79,000 to $84,000. This gap means a large portion of American households cannot qualify for mortgages or afford homes at median prices. Data from the National Association of Realtors and other sources indicate that only about 27% of households can afford a median-priced home, with many homes priced over $1 million requiring incomes above $360,000 annually, a threshold met by only 4% of U.S. households. Additionally, a 20% down payment now represents about 100% of annual household income, further complicating homeownership. The National Association of Homebuilders reports that 60% of U.S. households cannot afford a $300,000 home, and 70% cannot afford a $400,000 home, with most who can afford such homes already owning them. These figures highlight ongoing challenges in housing affordability across the country.