Most Rent-Burdened States
States ranked by estimated rent burden — Zillow rent as a share of income. This captures rent-vs-income pressure, where renting strains budgets most.
| # | State | Est. rent | Income | Rent burden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | $1,500/mo | $71,711 | 25% |
| 2 | California | $1,900/mo | $96,334 | 24% |
| 3 | Hawaii | $1,900/mo | $98,317 | 23% |
| 4 | Arizona | $1,400/mo | $76,872 | 22% |
| 5 | Nevada | $1,400/mo | $75,561 | 22% |
| 6 | Oregon | $1,450/mo | $80,426 | 22% |
| 7 | Colorado | $1,650/mo | $92,470 | 21% |
| 8 | New York | $1,450/mo | $84,578 | 21% |
| 9 | North Carolina | $1,200/mo | $69,904 | 21% |
| 10 | South Carolina | $1,150/mo | $66,818 | 21% |
| 11 | Tennessee | $1,150/mo | $67,097 | 21% |
| 12 | Washington | $1,650/mo | $94,952 | 21% |
| 13 | Georgia | $1,250/mo | $74,664 | 20% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | $1,650/mo | $101,341 | 20% |
| 15 | Texas | $1,300/mo | $76,292 | 20% |
| 16 | Delaware | $1,300/mo | $82,855 | 19% |
| 17 | District of Columbia | $1,700/mo | $106,287 | 19% |
| 18 | Louisiana | $950/mo | $60,023 | 19% |
| 19 | Mississippi | $850/mo | $54,915 | 19% |
| 20 | New Mexico | $1,000/mo | $62,125 | 19% |
| 21 | Rhode Island | $1,350/mo | $86,372 | 19% |
| 22 | Virginia | $1,450/mo | $90,974 | 19% |
| 23 | Alabama | $950/mo | $62,027 | 18% |
| 24 | Connecticut | $1,400/mo | $93,760 | 18% |
| 25 | Idaho | $1,150/mo | $74,636 | 18% |
| 26 | Illinois | $1,200/mo | $81,702 | 18% |
| 27 | Maine | $1,100/mo | $71,773 | 18% |
| 28 | Maryland | $1,500/mo | $101,652 | 18% |
| 29 | Michigan | $1,050/mo | $71,149 | 18% |
| 30 | Montana | $1,050/mo | $69,922 | 18% |
| 31 | New Hampshire | $1,400/mo | $95,628 | 18% |
| 32 | New Jersey | $1,550/mo | $101,050 | 18% |
| 33 | Vermont | $1,150/mo | $78,024 | 18% |
| 34 | Alaska | $1,300/mo | $89,336 | 17% |
| 35 | Arkansas | $850/mo | $58,773 | 17% |
| 36 | Kentucky | $900/mo | $62,417 | 17% |
| 37 | Missouri | $950/mo | $68,920 | 17% |
| 38 | Oklahoma | $900/mo | $63,603 | 17% |
| 39 | Pennsylvania | $1,100/mo | $76,081 | 17% |
| 40 | Utah | $1,300/mo | $91,750 | 17% |
| 41 | West Virginia | $800/mo | $57,917 | 17% |
| 42 | Wisconsin | $1,050/mo | $75,670 | 17% |
| 43 | Indiana | $950/mo | $70,051 | 16% |
| 44 | Kansas | $950/mo | $72,639 | 16% |
| 45 | Minnesota | $1,200/mo | $87,556 | 16% |
| 46 | Ohio | $950/mo | $69,680 | 16% |
| 47 | Wyoming | $1,000/mo | $74,815 | 16% |
| 48 | Iowa | $900/mo | $73,147 | 15% |
| 49 | Nebraska | $950/mo | $74,985 | 15% |
| 50 | North Dakota | $950/mo | $75,949 | 15% |
| 51 | South Dakota | $900/mo | $72,421 | 15% |
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-08 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
How this ranking is built
Rent burden is the Zillow ZORI rent index (state = median of city ZORI) divided by income, annualized. Every figure is an educational estimate. See the full methodology, then customize the math on the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator.
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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?
Rent burden is the Zillow ZORI rent index (state = median of city ZORI) divided by income, annualized. 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.