Buying Affordability Map
This view scores each state on estimated ownership affordability: how an income compares with the income typically needed to buy. Lighter-stress states score higher.
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.
State ranking for this view (updates with the controls)
| # | State | Est. home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | $179,496 | $1,355 | $58,071 | 50 |
| 2 | Iowa | $239,547 | $1,808 | $77,486 | 45 |
| 3 | Kansas | $249,603 | $1,884 | $80,743 | 42 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | $223,261 | $1,685 | $72,214 | 40 |
| 5 | Ohio | $248,803 | $1,878 | $80,486 | 39 |
| 6 | Louisiana | $217,039 | $1,638 | $70,200 | 38 |
| 7 | Mississippi | $197,606 | $1,492 | $63,943 | 38 |
| 8 | Illinois | $297,573 | $2,246 | $96,257 | 37 |
| 9 | Indiana | $260,095 | $1,964 | $84,171 | 36 |
| 10 | Kentucky | $232,577 | $1,756 | $75,257 | 36 |
| 11 | Michigan | $266,292 | $2,010 | $86,143 | 35 |
| 12 | Nebraska | $280,673 | $2,119 | $90,814 | 35 |
| 13 | North Dakota | $292,293 | $2,207 | $94,586 | 34 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $290,401 | $2,192 | $93,943 | 34 |
| 15 | Alabama | $241,613 | $1,824 | $78,171 | 33 |
How these estimates work
Each state combines a typical home value with editable assumptions — a 6.70% rate, 30-year term, 10% down, plus property tax, insurance, and PMI — to estimate a monthly payment, then the income needed so that payment is about 28% of gross pay. Read the full methodology.
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, 2026-08). 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), 2026-08. 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.