I think you know that in any kind of major metropolitan area with a strong economy that price per square foot is much, much higher (adjusted for inflation) than previously.

Taking the aggregate is deceptive because housing is much cheaper in economically depressed areas of the country.

Edit: Looked at the source of your data. It includes only new homes, and ignores existing housing stock. Your entire argument is deceptive and wrong. I regret wasting my time reading the source and realizing that you are cherry-picking.