The 30-year fixed market index was 7.48% on Oct 9, 2026, below the 54-year average of 7.73% (Freddie Mac PMMS, 1971–2026) and higher than the roughly 6.44% average for July 2025 to July 2026. 3 of 6 decade averages since 1971 were higher than today’s reading.
30-year fixed rate over time
Annual averages since 1971
Sources: Mortgage News Daily (recent readings) and Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (annual averages). Market averages, not a rate quote or APR.
Average rate by decade
Freddie Mac PMMS decade averages. *The 2020s figure covers 2020 through 2025.
View the numbers as a table
| Period | Average 30-year fixed rate |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 8.86% |
| 1980s | 12.70% |
| 1990s | 8.12% |
| 2000s | 6.29% |
| 2010s | 4.09% |
| 2020s (2020–2025) | 5.34% |
| July 2025 to July 2026 (monthly averages) | 6.44% |
What this means for buyers
Rates have been lower in recent years than in most of the last half century, which can make today’s numbers feel high even though they sit close to the long-run average. What matters for you is the payment you can comfortably carry, how long you plan to stay, and whether refinancing could make sense later. Rates change daily and your rate depends on your credit, loan type, down payment, and other factors.
Read the full breakdown: are mortgage rates high? · Browse the calculators · Learn about refinancing