Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that the size of homes has slowly increased over the past 38 years, except during 2009 and 2010, when the weak economy caused homeowners to build smaller houses.

The median square footage for homes in 1973 was 1,525 feet. By 2011, home size had grown to 2,233 square feet. In 2007, the average size of homes peaked at 2,277 square feet, a record which could be surpassed this year if home sizes continue to rise at the same rate.

The average price of a home per square foot was about $87 in the Midwest, according to the data.  

On Monday, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Index increased one point to 29 for the month of June, according to Reuters. The housing market continues to improve, but any reading below 50 indicates that consumers view the market unfavorably.