Rent Burden Map — by State
This view maps estimated rent burden: the Zillow Observed Rent Index (state value = median of city ZORI) as a percentage of household income. Above ~30% is generally considered rent burdened.
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 · 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.