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The Rising Challenge of Home Ownership in America

In recent findings released by ATTOM, a prominent curator of real estate data, the 2026 Rental Affordability Report highlights an intriguing paradox: in many counties across the United States, purchasing a home is becoming more affordable than renting. Yet, this affordability is overshadowed by sharply rising home prices that are increasingly elusive for prospective buyers.

Home Ownership: A Viable Option?

According to the report, home ownership is more affordable than renting a three-bedroom property in a staggering 57.7% of the analyzed counties. This statistic reflects a significant shift in the housing market, suggesting that for many Americans, investing in property could provide better long-term value. However, the initial entry cost into home ownership remains a substantial hurdle. The report notes that housing affordability often requires sizeable upfront deposits, a challenge amid the record-high home prices of 2025.

Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, articulates the dilemma faced by many individuals and families. “Renters looking for stability and families needing larger spaces are confronted with tough choices. While buying generally proves more economical in the long run, the escalating prices render the upfront investment daunting,” he explains.

Trends Across the Country

The findings from ATTOM indicate that in 69% of the examined counties, median home prices escalated at a pace surpassing that of rental costs in 2025. The data compiled encompasses 364 counties with populations exceeding 100,000, ensuring a comprehensive overview of housing dynamics across diverse regions.

Among the counties where home prices rose most quickly relative to rents, the report identifies major regions such as Los Angeles County, CA, and Harris County, TX. Conversely, counties like Cook County, IL and Alameda County, CA witnessed rent increases surpassing home price hikes, underscoring contrasting regional trends that affect potential buyers and renters differently.

Regional Affordability Disparities

A particularly critical takeaway from the report is the regional disparity in home ownership affordability. The Midwest appears to favor home buyers, with 81.5% of the counties detailing that buying is more economical than renting. In stark contrast, only 16.9% of counties in the West reported the same, revealing a pronounced divide in housing economics between regions.

The starkest affordability gaps favoring home ownership were noted in Collier County, FL, where ownership costs consumed 70.1% of typical wages compared to 119.4% for rents. Suffolk County, NY, also reflected concerning statistics with 60.4% for ownership versus 97.8% for renting.

Moreover, counties with populations greater than one million and significant gaps favoring ownership included Cook County, IL, showcasing how urban areas are often affected by unique financial pressures.

Rental Costs Becoming Burdensome

While buying becomes less affordable in certain regions, renting is also not without its challenges. A considerable 76.9% of analyzed counties reported that renting a three-bedroom property consumes more than a third of a resident's monthly wages—a troubling statistic, especially in the Western states where almost all counties (95.4%) reported such burdens.

The most excessive rental expenses were observed in Collier County, FL, where renting took an alarming 119.4% of typical earnings, illustrating a market that further complicates the overall housing issue.

Conclusion: The Future of Housing Affordability

Moving forward, the challenge remains for potential buyers and renters navigating a contradictory market of rising home prices juxtaposed with affording monthly costs. As remote working opportunities increase and demographics shift, the pressure on the housing market will only intensify. Understanding these complex financial landscapes is pivotal for families and individuals hoping to secure their housing futures. Organizations like ATTOM aim to inform decisions with accurate data, potentially guiding future strategies for real estate investment and rental agreements in a fluctuating economy.

Through this report, ATTOM not only sheds light on the dynamics of housing affordability but also underscores the urgent need for dialogue surrounding housing policies and practices to ensure sustainable options for future generations.