Explore where housing may still be affordable
An interactive U.S. housing-affordability map built on public and research data. Compare home values, the income needed to buy, and rent pressure across all 50 states — then open any market in Home Payment Atlas to run the detailed payment math.
Built on Zillow Research home-value data, 2026-05 and U.S. Census ACS income. Estimates for comparison, not advice.
A market-discovery map, not a listings site
Most housing sites show you individual listings. This one shows you the landscape: which states and markets are within reach for a given income, where rent eats the most of a paycheck, and where starter homes are still attainable. Home values and rents come from Zillow Research (ZHVI and ZORI); income and geography come from the U.S. Census Bureau. When you find a market worth a closer look, continue to Home Payment Atlas to customize down payment, taxes, PMI, insurance, and HOA.
Buying affordability
How far an income stretches toward a median or starter home, by state.
Income needed
The household income typically required to buy a mid-tier home.
Rent affordability
Zillow rent as a share of income — where renting pressures budgets most.
Starter homes
Markets where entry-level (bottom-tier) homes are most attainable.
Preparing the affordability map…
Select any state on the map to see estimated affordability, income needed, and a link to customize the payment on Home Payment Atlas.
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-05 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Most affordable states to buy (2026-05)
Ranked by estimated buying-affordability score for a mid-tier home, combining Zillow home values with income context. Open a state for county and city detail, or change the controls above to explore starter homes, family homes, income needed, or rent.
| # | State | Est. home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia · WV | $178,719 | $1,349 | $57,814 | 50 |
| 2 | Iowa · IA | $238,019 | $1,797 | $77,014 | 46 |
| 3 | Kansas · KS | $249,382 | $1,883 | $80,700 | 42 |
| 4 | Oklahoma · OK | $223,590 | $1,688 | $72,343 | 40 |
| 5 | Ohio · OH | $248,719 | $1,878 | $80,486 | 39 |
| 6 | Illinois · IL | $294,136 | $2,220 | $95,143 | 38 |
| 7 | Louisiana · LA | $216,254 | $1,633 | $69,986 | 38 |
| 8 | Mississippi · MS | $197,008 | $1,487 | $63,729 | 38 |
| 9 | Indiana · IN | $259,711 | $1,961 | $84,043 | 36 |
| 10 | Kentucky · KY | $235,060 | $1,775 | $76,071 | 35 |
Customize this scenario
Want to adjust down payment, taxes, PMI, insurance, or HOA? Open this scenario in the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator for full, personalized payment math.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-05). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-05. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.