Median sale prices of houses sold in the U.S. (Census Bureau / HUD series, rounded) show both long-run appreciation and the post-2020 surge. Local markets diverge widely from national medians.
Milestones
| Year | Median price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | $63,700 | Rates heading to 16% |
| 2006 | ≈$246,500 | Pre-crisis peak |
| 2009 | ≈$216,700 | Post-crisis trough |
| 2020 | $336,900 | Pandemic surge begins |
| 2022 Q4 | $442,600 | Series peak |
| 2025 | ≈$425,000 | Approximate |
What it means
Prices roughly 6.7× higher than 1980 sound extreme, but inflation accounts for much of it — in real terms the increase is closer to 80–90%. The affordability squeeze of the 2020s came from prices and rates rising together.
FAQ
How much have home prices grown per year?
Roughly 4–5% annually nominal since 1980; about 1.5–2% after inflation.
Did prices ever fall nationally?
Yes — about 13% from the 2006 peak to 2009 on this series, and modestly in 2023–24 from the 2022 peak.
Is the median the same as a typical starter home?
No — the median includes all sales; entry-level homes typically run 20–30% below it.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau & HUD, Median Sales Price of Houses Sold (MSPUS), rounded
Figures compiled and rounded July 2026. Cite this page: “U.S. Home Price Statistics (1980–2025), CalcYard” with a link.