Here’s How Much You Really Need to Make to Buy a House in Every U.S. State

Let’s be honest — buying a house these days doesn’t just feel hard, it feels nearly impossible in some parts of the country. Between sky-high prices, rising mortgage rates, and the cost of everything else going up, a lot of people are wondering if owning a home is even realistic anymore.

So, how much do you actually need to earn to afford a home in 2025? The answer depends a lot on where you live. Some places are still somewhat affordable. Others? You’d better be earning six figures or more.

What the Numbers Say

According to the latest reports, if you want to buy a typical home in the U.S. this year, you need to make around $117,000 per year. That’s almost 50% more than what the average household makes, which is closer to $78,000.

Why so high? It mostly comes down to two things: home prices are still rising, and mortgage rates remain stuck near 7%. That combination makes monthly payments more expensive than ever.

Where It’s Still Doable

Believe it or not, there are still places where owning a home doesn’t require a six-figure salary. These are the more affordable states, where the income needed to buy a median-priced home is under $75,000:

• West Virginia – You can get by with about $64,000 a year.

• Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, Kansas, and Ohio – All fall in the $66,000 to $74,000 range.

• Homes in these areas usually cost around $250,000 or less, which makes a big difference in monthly payments.

Where It Gets Really Tough

On the other end of the spectrum are states where homeownership is more of a luxury:

• California – Median home price is over $830,000. You’d need to earn about $213,000 a year.

• Hawaii – Around $236,000 in income needed.

• Washington, D.C. – Also over $240,000 required.

• Massachusetts and Colorado – Expect to need between $170,000 to $180,000.

Even two-income households can struggle to meet those numbers, especially if student loans or childcare costs are in the mix.

Why It’s So Expensive Now

Here’s what’s driving all this:

1. Home prices surged after the pandemic. Supply couldn’t keep up with demand, and remote work allowed people to move to more expensive markets.

2. Mortgage rates have doubled. A few years ago, you could lock in a rate under 3%. Now, it’s close to 7%. That means monthly payments are a lot higher, even if the home price hasn’t changed.

3. Incomes haven’t grown fast enough. While wages have gone up, they haven’t kept pace with the cost of housing. So people are having to stretch more and more to make ends meet.

Sample Breakdown by State

Want the full list of all 50 states? I can pull that for you.

How Many Days Are You Working Just for Your Mortgage?

Recent data shows that the average homeowner in 2025 works about 10 full days each month just to cover their mortgage. In states like Hawaii or California, that number can climb to 15–17 days. That’s more than half the month’s work just to keep a roof over your head.

Can You Actually Afford a Home?

Ask yourself a few questions:

• Are you earning enough to cover housing costs plus everything else?

• Do you have enough saved for a down payment?

• Are you open to relocating to a more affordable state or town?

Buying a home is still possible for many people, but it often takes flexibility — either in where you live, what kind of home you buy, or how you structure your finances.

Homeownership in 2025 is far from dead, but the path looks a lot different than it used to. In high-cost states, it’s tough without a high-paying job or serious savings. In other areas, especially the Midwest or South, it’s still within reach for middle-income buyers.

The key is understanding the numbers and making a plan that works for your situation — not just chasing the dream but making it achievable on your terms.

If you want help running numbers for your state or city, just let me know. I’m happy to help break it down for you.