Americans are earning more, but still can’t afford homes - here’s why families now need more than $116,000 income to buy a house in the US

US housing market 2026: Despite rising wages, many American families find homeownership increasingly out of reach as housing costs outpace income growth. A significant income gap persists, with the national median household income falling far short of what's needed to afford the average US home. Experts predict these affordability challenges will continue for years.