Homebuying is hard in these counties that could decide the election, but it’s harder in the U.S. overall

Homes are getting less affordable for buyers all over the country — including in places where the 2024 presidential race could be decided.

But market conditions in six key swing counties aren’t quite as bad as they are in the U.S. as a whole, NBC News’ Home Buyer Index shows.

In Erie County, Pennsylvania, for example, a blue-collar area in arguably this year’s most crucial swing state, steep competition for homes pushed its overall index score to 70 on a 100-point scale last month. That’s more than 20 points higher than four years ago, but still 13 points shy of the national average, which climbed 30 points since 2020.