The last decade of rapid home price growth has severely worsened housing affordability across the U.S.
A new analysis from ConstructionCoverage.com found that U.S. home values surged more than 81% between 2016 and 2026, dramatically outpacing wage growth (+47%) and reshaping housing affordability nationwide.
The study analyzed Zillow and Census Bureau data to identify the states and cities with the largest increases in home prices over the last decade.
Key Takeaways, With Data for Seattle, WA
- Absolute home price growth in Seattle, WA. Between 2016 and 2026, Seattle experienced a +$305,207 increase in its median home price.
- The percentage change in home prices in Seattle, WA. That’s a +54.2% increase in median home price in just 10 years.
- Where Seattle ranks among all cities in the analysis. Sorting cities from largest percentage home price growth to smallest, Seattle ranks 43rd among all large U.S. cities, and 588th among all 691 cities included in the analysis.
- Comparing home price growth with wage growth in Seattle. The newest income data shows a +83.9% 10-year increase in Seattle’s median household income.
While the U.S. real estate market appears to finally be cooling down, home price growth has been a defining economic trend in recent years. Over the past decade, U.S. home values grew by more than 81%, compared to average hourly earnings which saw a modest 47% increase. Consequently, housing affordability has taken a hit, while homeowners have seen substantial gains in their real estate wealth…