Wisconsin Ranks 12th Worst in Affordable Housing Study


Wisconsin Ranks 12th Worst in Affordable Housing Study
As home prices continue to climb across the United States, housing affordability remains a critical concern for both prospective buyers and policymakers. Over the past decade, persistent price growth—driven by limited supply, strong demand, and rising construction costs—has reshaped access to homeownership nationwide. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors shows that while inventory has improved modestly, middle-income households still face significant gaps in affordability. As of early 2025, buyers earning around $75,000 annually could afford just 21% of listings—less than half the share available to them before the pandemic. These conditions highlight the ongoing pressure to expand the supply of affordable homes. This analysis from Construction Coverage—a publication that covers construction industry spending and market dynamics—draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Zillow... ... Here is a summary of the data for Wisconsin: Average value per new housing unit authorized: $287,608 Total new housing units authorized: 23,826 Total value of new housing units authorized: $6,852,539,000 Median home price: $330,342 Share of new units that are multi-family: 45.9% For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States: Average value per new housing unit authorized: $260,229 Total new housing units authorized: 1,478,000 Total value of new housing units authorized: $384,618,396,000 Median home price: $369,147 Share of new units that are multi-family: 33.6% ...more Leo’s notes: National housing data confirms what Wisconsin residents already feel: homeownership is slipping further out of reach. With the median Wisconsin home price at $330,342 and average new construction costs topping $287,000 per unit, our state is building above the national cost curve while still not producing enough supply. Nearly half of new units here are multi-family, which helps, but unless we expand affordable starter homes and embrace cost-efficient construction, middle-income families will remain priced out. The numbers are clear—Wisconsin must act boldly to close its affordability gap.
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Our Sponsors - - Volume: 25 - WEEK: 39 Date: 9/22/2025 10:37:28 AM -

As home prices continue to climb across the United States, housing affordability remains a critical concern for both prospective buyers and policymakers.

Over the past decade, persistent price growth—driven by limited supply, strong demand, and rising construction costs—has reshaped access to homeownership nationwide. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors shows that while inventory has improved modestly, middle-income households still face significant gaps in affordability. As of early 2025, buyers earning around $75,000 annually could afford just 21% of listings—less than half the share available to them before the pandemic.

These conditions highlight the ongoing pressure to expand the supply of affordable homes. This analysis from Construction Coverage—a publication that covers construction industry spending and market dynamics—draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Zillow...

...

Here is a summary of the data for Wisconsin:

Average value per new housing unit authorized: $287,608
Total new housing units authorized: 23,826
Total value of new housing units authorized: $6,852,539,000
Median home price: $330,342
Share of new units that are multi-family: 45.9%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

Average value per new housing unit authorized: $260,229
Total new housing units authorized: 1,478,000
Total value of new housing units authorized: $384,618,396,000
Median home price: $369,147
Share of new units that are multi-family: 33.6%

...more

Leo’s notes: National housing data confirms what Wisconsin residents already feel: homeownership is slipping further out of reach. With the median Wisconsin home price at $330,342 and average new construction costs topping $287,000 per unit, our state is building above the national cost curve while still not producing enough supply. Nearly half of new units here are multi-family, which helps, but unless we expand affordable starter homes and embrace cost-efficient construction, middle-income families will remain priced out. The numbers are clear—Wisconsin must act boldly to close its affordability gap.

Wisconsin Ranks 12th Worst in Affordable Housing Study

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