According to the latest CNBC and SurveyMonkey survey, housing affordability has become the top political issue for U.S. voters aged 18-34, surpassing even food costs and the protection of democracy. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has now climbed well above 7.5%, while the median home price has increased by nearly 60% since the pandemic, putting greater pressure on prospective homebuyers. Data shows that in 2019, renting and homeownership in the U.S. accounted for 24% and 21% of median income, respectively, which has now risen to 26% and 28%. Over 22 million U.S. households face rental burden, a new historical high.