Most Affordable States to Buy a Home
States ranked by estimated buying-affordability score for a mid-tier home — comparing household income with the income needed to buy.
| # | 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 |
| 16 | Arkansas | $227,264 | $1,716 | $73,543 | 33 |
| 17 | Missouri | $267,879 | $2,022 | $86,657 | 33 |
| 18 | Texas | $299,367 | $2,260 | $96,857 | 32 |
| 19 | Minnesota | $350,752 | $2,648 | $113,486 | 31 |
| 20 | Maryland | $428,308 | $3,233 | $138,557 | 28 |
| 21 | Georgia | $330,817 | $2,497 | $107,014 | 25 |
| 22 | South Dakota | $321,574 | $2,428 | $104,057 | 25 |
| 23 | Alaska | $398,663 | $3,010 | $129,000 | 24 |
| 24 | Wisconsin | $339,699 | $2,564 | $109,886 | 24 |
| 25 | South Carolina | $306,323 | $2,312 | $99,086 | 23 |
| 26 | Virginia | $414,662 | $3,130 | $134,143 | 23 |
| 27 | Connecticut | $450,873 | $3,404 | $145,886 | 20 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $334,773 | $2,527 | $108,300 | 20 |
| 29 | Delaware | $406,074 | $3,066 | $131,400 | 19 |
| 30 | Tennessee | $334,108 | $2,522 | $108,086 | 18 |
| 31 | Wyoming | $371,854 | $2,807 | $120,300 | 18 |
| 32 | New Mexico | $318,241 | $2,402 | $102,943 | 17 |
| 33 | Vermont | $399,053 | $3,013 | $129,129 | 17 |
| 34 | Florida | $375,470 | $2,834 | $121,457 | 16 |
| 35 | District of Columbia | $570,119 | $4,304 | $184,457 | 15 |
| 36 | Arizona | $417,990 | $3,155 | $135,214 | 14 |
| 37 | New Hampshire | $516,306 | $3,898 | $167,057 | 14 |
| 38 | New Jersey | $580,353 | $4,381 | $187,757 | 12 |
| 39 | Colorado | $532,748 | $4,022 | $172,371 | 11 |
| 40 | Maine | $415,552 | $3,137 | $134,443 | 11 |
| 41 | Nevada | $442,027 | $3,337 | $143,014 | 11 |
| 42 | Utah | $534,582 | $4,036 | $172,971 | 11 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | $511,233 | $3,859 | $165,386 | 10 |
| 44 | New York | $526,714 | $3,976 | $170,400 | 8 |
| 45 | Oregon | $496,113 | $3,745 | $160,500 | 8 |
| 46 | Washington | $591,879 | $4,468 | $191,486 | 8 |
| 47 | Idaho | $478,744 | $3,614 | $154,886 | 7 |
| 48 | Massachusetts | $661,896 | $4,997 | $214,157 | 6 |
| 49 | Montana | $471,746 | $3,561 | $152,614 | 5 |
| 50 | California | $764,158 | $5,769 | $247,243 | 0 |
| 51 | Hawaii | $833,340 | $6,291 | $269,614 | 0 |
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-08 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
How this ranking is built
Higher scores mean income covers the income needed for a mid-tier Zillow home value more comfortably. Every figure is an educational estimate. See the full methodology, then customize the math on the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator.
Explore more rankings
- Most Affordable States to Buy a Home
- Most Affordable Starter-Home Markets
- Affordable Family-Home Markets
- Lowest Income Needed to Buy
- Most Rent-Burdened States
- Most Affordable Cities to Buy
- Best Cities for First-Time Buyers
- Best Buyer-Opportunity Markets
- Markets With the Most Price Cuts
- Least Competitive Housing Markets
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Frequently asked questions
Where does this ranking's data come from?
Home values and rent are from Zillow Research (ZHVI/ZORI), 2026-08; income is from the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-year 2023). Figures are estimates, not appraisals.
How is the ranking calculated?
Higher scores mean income covers the income needed for a mid-tier Zillow home value more comfortably. Full details are on the methodology page.
How do I adjust the assumptions?
Open the Home Payment Atlas calculator to set your own down payment, rate, taxes, insurance, and PMI.
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.