The percentage of households in California able to afford a median-priced home stood at 15 % in October, a 4 % decrease compared with the same period a year ago, according to a report released by the California Association of Realtors. The October Housing Affordability Index was unchanged from September.

The minimum household income needed to purchase a median-priced home at $538,770 in California in October was $128,480, based on an average mortgage interest rate of 6.03 % and assuming a 20 % downpayment. Up from $106,490 in October 2004, when the median price of a home was $459,530 and the prevailing interest rate was 5.70 %.

The minimum household income needed to purchase a median-priced home at $218,000 in the U.S. in October 2005 was $51,990.

At 25 %, the High Desert region was the most affordable area in the state. The Northern Wine Country region was the least affordable at 7 %.