A recent analysis by Zillow reveals that the affordability of a typical U.S. home has declined notably since 2020. In 2020, a household earning the median income could afford a median-priced home, but as of 2025, buyers would need an additional $17,670 in annual income to do so. The median home price currently stands at approximately $367,969, requiring a salary close to $100,000 to comfortably cover mortgage payments, assuming a 20% down payment of $73,594 is available. This represents a substantial increase from the $79,000 income needed in 2021. The current median household income is around $84,000, which is below the estimated $112,000 income required to qualify for a mortgage on a typical home. Among the nation's 46 million renters, only about 6 million earn enough to meet this threshold, highlighting a growing gap between income levels and housing costs in the U.S.