America's housing shortage by the numbers

This story is the fourth in a four-part series. Read Part 1 here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here.

The U.S. has been short of the homes it needs to meet its growing population for more than a decade, driving up prices and shooting down the dreams of millions of would-be buyers.

While buying a starter home was once a safe and attainable way to build wealth, rising home prices, falling construction rates and economic volatility have left the U.S. without nearly enough affordable housing.