U.S. Housing Affordability Map

Set an income level and choose a map layer — starter, median, or family-home affordability, income needed, estimated payment, or rent. States recolor instantly; select any state for estimated payment, income needed, and a link to customize the scenario on Home Payment Atlas.

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)

Median home affordability by state — Zillow ZHVI 2026-05, Census ACS income.
#StateEst. home value Est. paymentIncome neededScore
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
11 Michigan · MI $266,964 $2,015 $86,357 35
12 Nebraska · NE $282,169 $2,130 $91,286 35
13 North Dakota · ND $290,642 $2,194 $94,029 34
14 Pennsylvania $289,277 $2,184 $93,600 34
15 Alabama · AL $239,515 $1,808 $77,486 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

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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.