Real Estate Median Price Comparison
Sep 21, 2026
Since 2021, U.S. residential real estate has increased roughly 35%–45% nationally, depending on the metric used (median sales price vs. price index). Here's the clearest way to see it:
1. Median Home Price Comparison
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2021 median U.S. home price: about $367,000–$395,000 depending on the quarter. (MacroTrends)
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2025 median home price: roughly $405,000–$410,000 nationally. (FRED)
That might look like only ~10–12%, but that doesn't capture the peak surge in 2022 and regional appreciation.
2. Case-Shiller Home Price Index (Better Long-Term Measure)
Using the widely followed S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index:
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Prices surged ~20%+ annually during 2021–2022. (Trading Economics)
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Over the last five years, the index shows ~8.8% annualized growth, which compounds significantly. (S&P Global)
When you compare the index level in early 2021 vs. 2025, home values are about 40% higher nationally.
3. Real-World Example
Typical national trajectory:
| Year | Median Price |
|---|---|
| 2021 | ~$367k |
| 2022 | ~$430k peak |
| 2023 | ~$410k |
| 2025 | ~$405k |
Even though prices cooled slightly after the 2022 spike, they never returned to pre-2021 levels.
✅ Bottom line:
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National increase since 2021: ~35%–45% depending on market.
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Many Midwest markets (like Michigan) have actually performed better than the national average due to affordability and low inventory.
4. Why Prices Stayed Elevated
Three major forces:
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Massive supply shortage — the U.S. housing gap is now over 4 million homes. (Reuters)
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Locked-in low mortgage rates (owners refusing to sell).
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Millennial household formation driving demand.