This article explores the significant disparities in housing affordability between the coastal regions of the United States and the Midwest. Here we present an R script that merges 2022 county-level median income data with the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), a measure of home values, to calculate a housing affordability ratio for each county. The script also produces an output shapefile that can then be symbolized as a graduated color map in ArcGIS Pro.
The coastal areas, known for their high real estate prices, contrast sharply with the Midwest, often cited for its more accessible housing market. We also found pockets of seriously to severely unaffordable housing in the Intermountain West as well as extensive areas of Texas. This examination aims to provide insights into the varied landscape of homeownership costs across the country, highlighting the affordability divide that influences regional demographics and housing decisions.