Fold says housing exceeds affordability threshold in all 50 largest US metros
FLD•All 50 largest US metropolitan areas exceeded the 2.6 housing affordability threshold as of early 2026, while the home-price-to-income ratio was 4.75, down from its 2022 peak of 5.81. An estimated 65% of households cannot afford a median-priced new home.
1. Affordability pressures
All 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas exceeded the 2.6 affordability threshold as of early 2026. The home-price-to-income ratio was 4.75, down from 5.81 at its 2022 peak, and an estimated 65% of households could not afford a median-priced new home.
2. Buyers and renters
First-time buyers accounted for 21% of purchases in 2025, compared with 44% in 1981. Among renter households, 49.7% spent more than 30% of income on housing.
