Median rents, vacancy rates, and rental affordability.
As of mid-2026, median asking rents in the 50 largest U.S. metros have seen a steady decline for 35 consecutive months. This trend is driven by a multiyear multifamily construction boom that has significantly increased housing supply across various regional markets.
Median gross rent varies widely across the United States, from under $900 in West Virginia to over $2,000 in California and Hawaii. The latest Census American Community Survey data show a median state rent around $1,300, with coastal and Western states generally highest. This article ranks all states, explains how median rent is calculated, and examines affordability pressures.