The Grand Rapids house you didn’t buy in 1979
A $300,000 house at 1979’s average index level, tracked to 2026 Q2.
The metro index went from 48.9 (the 1979 average) to 390.7 in 2026 Q2, 8.0× its 1979 level. That makes a $300,000 purchase about $2.40M today.
With 20% down ($60,000) and a 30-year loan at 1979’s average rate of 11.20%, today’s equity is about $2.40M, 40× the down payment. The loan would be paid off by now, so the equity equals the house’s value.
The S&P 500 index fund this site compares against (the TSP C Fund) begins in 1988, so there is no market comparison for a purchase before then.
Run your own numbers for 1979 →
House figures are estimates for the whole metro market, from the FHFA index. Not financial advice.
FAQ
What is a 1979 Grand Rapids house worth today?
About $2.40M for a $300,000 house, a 8.0× market multiple to 2026 Q2 by the FHFA all-transactions index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI.
Why use an index instead of listings?
The FHFA index is built from repeat transactions on the same homes, so it controls for the mix of what happens to be for sale.
Is this investment advice?
No. This is historical arithmetic for education and entertainment.