Americans are becoming increasingly house poor

Nationwide, homeowners spent nearly 21 percent of their incomes on housing costs last year, up from just under 19 percent in 1999.

In Washington state, homeowners spent 22 percent of their income, or $1,454 a month, on housing costs in 2005, compared to 20.9 percent, or$1,438, in 1999, according to the Census Bureau, an increase of 1.1 percentage point.

The bureau’s figures are expressed as medians, meaning half of homeowners pay more and half pay less.

Housing costs are defined as mortgage payments, taxes, insurance and utilities.

Nationwide, median home values jumped 32 percent from 2000 to 2005, to$167,500.

For example, the government says housing costs are excessive if they top 30 percent of household income.

“Families want to become homeowners, and they are willing to spend more to get there,” said Jeffrey Lubell, executive director for the Center for Housing Policy, which advocates for affordable housing.

California stands out among the states with expensive housing costs.

It ranked No. 1 in median home value, at$477,700; No. 2 in monthly housing costs for homeowners, at$1,912; and No. 2 in monthly costs for renters, at$973.

• New Jersey had the highest monthly housing costs for homeowners, at$1,938.

• West Virginia had the least expensive monthly costs for homeowners, at$797.

• Mississippi had the least expensive median home value, at$82,700.

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