Income Needed to Buy a Home in Delaware (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $106,833/year (#31 least affordable of 51 US states)
Delaware ranks #31 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $402,891 requires a household income of about $106,833. That's $19,299 more than the median household actually earns ($87,534) — a shortfall of 22% of typical income.
Delaware's affordability ratio of 1.22 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 4.4% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 16.2% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
A low 0.50% effective property tax rate keeps the monthly tax bill to $168, softening the total payment, while homeowners insurance runs about $966/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,493.
Delaware monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $402,891 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $362,602 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,244 |
| Monthly property tax (0.50% rate) | $168 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $81 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,493 |
| Required household income | $106,833 |
| Median household income | $87,534 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Delaware compares
- Minnesota — similar affordability (ratio 1.21, requires $105,209)
- South Carolina — similar affordability (ratio 1.20, requires $87,028)
- Georgia — similar affordability (ratio 1.20, requires $95,700)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Delaware in 2026?
About $106,833 per year to afford the median-priced home of $402,891, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Delaware household earns $87,534.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Delaware?
Roughly $2,493 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Delaware affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $19,299 (22%), ranking Delaware #31 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.