Here’s an article that goes into some detail on the subject of how much faster than wages housing prices have been rising, specifically in Snohomish County.
The rapid rate of increase the last two years has raised eyebrows in the industry, Hokanson said. “Any time we get into double digits, we’re a little bit concerned.”
The housing price increases have started to outpace the earning power of Snohomish County residents. The average Snohomish County household’s income, according to federal statistics, grew by only 1.8 percent in 2004, the most recent year for which figures were available.
Between 2000 and 2004, average household income grew by 11.7 percent, to about $39,200 from $35,100. But over the same period, median housing prices jumped 28.3 percent, meaning the average family lost ground.
Nothing really new in there that I haven’t been saying already, but since it’s on-topic, it’s always worth mentioning.
(Bryan Corliss, Everett Herald, 02.05.2006)