What was the average 30-year mortgage rate in 2006?

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in 2006 was 6.41%, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS). This was 0.54 percentage points higher than the 5.87% average in 2005.

How much was a mortgage payment in 2006?

At the 2006 average rate of 6.41%, the monthly principal and interest payment on a $300,000 30-year fixed mortgage would have been approximately $1,878. At today's average rate of 6.84%, the same mortgage costs $1,964/month.

What caused mortgage rates in 2006?

The Federal Reserve maintained a federal funds rate averaging 4.97% during 2006. Monetary policy was calibrated to balance growth and inflation objectives. Consumer price inflation was 3.23% in 2006. Inflation was within or near the Federal Reserve's long-run target range.

← 2005 (5.87%)2007 (6.34%) →

📊 Historical Mortgage Data · Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Mortgage Rates in 2006

30-year fixed averaged 6.41% — rising rates

6.41%

Annual avg rate

30-yr fixed

+0.54pp

vs 2005

Year-over-year

4.97%

Fed funds rate

Annual avg

+3.23%

CPI inflation

Year-over-year

Estimated Monthly Rate Trend — 2006

Estimated monthly rates based on annual averages and adjacent-year interpolation. Seasonal pattern reflects typical mortgage market spring/summer premium.

Low: 6.09%High: 6.35%Avg: 6.41%

2006 in Context — Surrounding Years

Year	30-Yr Rate	Fed Funds	Inflation
2002	6.54%	1.67%	+1.59%
2003	5.83%	1.13%	+2.27%
2004	5.84%	1.35%	+2.68%
2005	5.87%	3.22%	+3.39%
▶ 2006	6.41%	4.97%	+3.23%
2007	6.34%	5.02%	+2.85%
2008	6.03%	1.92%	+3.84%
2009	5.04%	0.24%	-0.36%
2010	4.69%	0.18%	+1.64%

Economic Context in 2006

🏦

Federal Reserve Policy

The Federal Reserve maintained a federal funds rate averaging 4.97% during 2006. Monetary policy was calibrated to balance growth and inflation objectives.

📈

Inflation Environment

Consumer price inflation was 3.23% in 2006. Inflation was within or near the Federal Reserve's long-run target range.

🏠

Housing Market Impact

With moderate mortgage rates averaging 6.41%, housing affordability was moderate compared to long-run averages. Rising rates dampened refinancing and put pressure on housing demand.

What Did a 2006 Mortgage Cost? ($300,000 Loan · 30 Years)

$1,878/mo

At 2006 rate (6.41%)

Principal + interest only

$1,964/mo

At current rate (6.84%)

Principal + interest only

$85/mo

2006 was cheaper

vs today on same loan

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2005 — 5.87%

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2007 — 6.34%

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Disclaimer: Rates shown are historical averages. Actual mortgage rates vary by lender and borrower profile. Monthly rates are estimated from annual averages and are for illustrative purposes only. Data is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), Federal Reserve FRED, and BLS CPI-U.

← 2005 (5.87%)2007 (6.34%) →

📊 Historical Mortgage Data · Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Mortgage Rates in 2006

30-year fixed averaged 6.41% — rising rates

6.41%

Annual avg rate

30-yr fixed

+0.54pp

vs 2005

Year-over-year

4.97%

Fed funds rate

Annual avg

+3.23%

CPI inflation

Year-over-year

Estimated Monthly Rate Trend — 2006

Estimated monthly rates based on annual averages and adjacent-year interpolation. Seasonal pattern reflects typical mortgage market spring/summer premium.

Low: 6.09%High: 6.35%Avg: 6.41%

2006 in Context — Surrounding Years

Year	30-Yr Rate	Fed Funds	Inflation
2002	6.54%	1.67%	+1.59%
2003	5.83%	1.13%	+2.27%
2004	5.84%	1.35%	+2.68%
2005	5.87%	3.22%	+3.39%
▶ 2006	6.41%	4.97%	+3.23%
2007	6.34%	5.02%	+2.85%
2008	6.03%	1.92%	+3.84%
2009	5.04%	0.24%	-0.36%
2010	4.69%	0.18%	+1.64%

Economic Context in 2006

🏦

Federal Reserve Policy

The Federal Reserve maintained a federal funds rate averaging 4.97% during 2006. Monetary policy was calibrated to balance growth and inflation objectives.

📈

Inflation Environment

Consumer price inflation was 3.23% in 2006. Inflation was within or near the Federal Reserve's long-run target range.

🏠

Housing Market Impact

With moderate mortgage rates averaging 6.41%, housing affordability was moderate compared to long-run averages. Rising rates dampened refinancing and put pressure on housing demand.