Mortgage Rate Impact Timeline
Explore 50+ years of mortgage rate history. Click any point on the timeline to see what a home would have cost at that rate — then compare to today's rate with real monthly payments and total interest.
Key Numbers
All-Time Low
2.65% (Jan 2021)
All-Time High
18.45% (Oct 1981)
Current Rate
~6.0% (30yr)
50+ Year Avg
~7.7%
Sources: 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgage rate monthly averages from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), retrieved via FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Monthly payment calculations use the standard amortization formula for principal and interest only — actual payments may include taxes, insurance, and PMI. Past rates do not predict future rates.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your situation.
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