The salary you need to afford the average home in your U.S. state

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Buying a home has never been cheap, but in some states, it’s become nearly impossible without a high salary. The maps below break down home affordability across the U.S., showing the income required to purchase an average home based on a 30-year mortgage with a 10% down payment.

How Much Do You Need to Afford a Home in Your State?

According to data from Zillow and Mortgage Calculator, the salary needed to buy an average home varies drastically depending on location. Some states remain relatively affordable, while others demand six-figure incomes just to own a modest house.

The Most Affordable States (2018 Data)

If you’re looking for affordable housing, these states required the lowest salaries to purchase an average home based on 2018 data:

1. West Virginia – $38,320 for a $149,500 home
2. Ohio – $38,400 for a $149,900 home
3. Michigan – $40,800 for a $160,000 home
4. Arkansas – $41,040 for a $161,000 home
5. Missouri – $42,200 for a $165,900 home

The Least Affordable States (2018 Data)

On the other hand, these states demanded the highest salaries to afford an average home:

1. Hawaii – $153,520 for a $610,000 home
2. Washington, D.C. – $138,440 for a $549,000 home
3. California – $120,120 for a $499,900 home
4. Massachusetts – $101,320 for a $419,900 home
5. Colorado – $100,200 for a $415,000 home

California continued to have the biggest gap between median household income and the income required to afford a home.

The Gap Between Income and Housing Costs

In some areas, home prices have skyrocketed well beyond what the average household earns. The following map highlights the difference between median household income and the income needed to afford a home in each state based on 2018 data.

How Long Does It Take to Pay Off a Home?

Depending on where you live, buying a home can take anywhere from a few years to decades to pay off. In some counties, it took over 20 years of income to afford a house, while in others, just a couple of years was enough.

• Least time required: King County, Texas – 1.3 years (Median income: $29,918, Median home price: $38,800)
• Most time required: Kings County (Brooklyn), New York – 20.8 years (Median income: $29,928, Median home price: $623,900)

Home Affordability in Major U.S. Cities

Housing affordability also varied greatly in metro areas. Some cities were nearly impossible to buy into without a very high salary.

San Jose, California, topped the list as the least affordable city, with real estate prices making homeownership a challenge for most residents.

Final Thoughts

With home prices continuing to rise, affordability remains a major concern in many parts of the country. Whether you’re planning to buy your first home or relocate, understanding salary requirements by state can help set realistic expectations.

What do you think about these numbers? Are home prices in your state reasonable, or do they seem out of reach? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts!