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The Housing Affordability Index (HAI) is the broadest and most comprehensive measure of affordability provided. The overall HAI reflects the percent of median household income required to occupy the median housing unit including both sold and rented housing. The sold component of the overall HAI measures the percent of median household income required for the Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Homeowner’s Insurance (PITI) payment for the median unit sold. The rental component of the overall HAI measures the percent of median household income required for gross rent, including utilities, for the median unit rented.

The HAI is depicted for the most recent quarter in the chart below. The orange box illustrates the sold component, which reflects the percent of median household income required to own the typical unit. The yellow box represents the rental component, which reflects the percent of median household income required to rent the typical unit. The blue box, representing the overall HAI, is the weighted average of the sold and rental components (each component is weighted by its respective share of the housing market; sold by the percent of owners and rental by the percent of renters) and reflects the percent of a typical household’s income needed to afford a typical home.

What percent of a typical household’s income is needed to afford a typical home?

Affordability from a Metropolitan Perspective (Not applicable for State):
Replacing the jurisdiction median household income with the metropolitan median household income of results in a revised HAI of (with the sold component = and the rent component = ).

This chart shows the trend of housing affordability based on median household income over time. Quarterly data is shown for the Overall Housing Affordability Index (HAI) which represents affordability of the typical housing unit (either sold or rent); the sold component of the HAI which represents affordability of the typical sold unit; and the rent component of the HAI which represents the affordability of the typical rental unit.

How has the typical percentage if income needed for the typical house changed over time?

Missing points = Data not available.
Note: A small number of sales may cause erratic trends.
Sources: MLS Sales Data (Virginia Association of REALTORS®); U.S. Census, American Community Survey; and Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research.

Statewide Map of Overall Housing Affordability Index (HAI)

This map, for the most recent quarter, shows the Overall Housing Affordability Index (HAI) for Virginia Counties and Independent Cities allowing for a visual comparison of housing affordability of the typical housing unit for localities in Virginia. More intense red color indicates a higher index (meaning a larger percent of household income is needed for housing). Grey color indicates that data is not available. Move mouse over the map to see the percentage values for individual localities. Use the sliders at the bottom of the map to select a range of values to display (the default is all, 0%-100%).

Statewide Map of Housing Affordability Index (Homeownership)

This map, for the most recent quarter, shows the sold component of the Housing Affordability Index for Virginia Counties and Independent Cities. The sold component represents affordability of the typical sold unit based on median household income. The map allows for a visual comparison of housing affordability of sold units for localities in Virginia. More intense red color indicates a higher index (meaning a larger percent of household income is needed for housing). Grey color indicates that data is not available. Move mouse over the map to see the percentage values for individual localities. Use the sliders at the bottom of the map to select a range of values to display (the default is all, 0%-100%).

Statewide Map of Housing Affordability Index (Rental)

This map, for the most recent quarter, shows the rent component of the Housing Affordability Index for Virginia Counties and Independent Cities. The rent component represents affordability of the typical rent unit based on median household income. The map allows for a visual comparison of housing affordability of rent units for localities in Virginia. More intense red color indicates a higher index (meaning a larger percent of household income is needed for housing). Grey color indicates that data is not available. Move mouse over the map to see the percentage values for individual localities. Use the sliders at the bottom of the map to select a range of values to display (the default is all, 0%-100%).

The data contained in SOURCEBOOK is intended for informational, educational and research uses. The information may not be used for commercial purposes or re-marketed. Any reproduction and distribution of this information must clearly identify HousingForward Virginia and SOURCEBOOK as the provider of the information.