Income Needed to Buy a Home in District of Columbia (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $157,359/year (#17 least affordable of 51 US states)
District of Columbia ranks #17 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $583,084 requires a household income of about $157,359. That's $47,652 more than the median household actually earns ($109,707) — a shortfall of 43% of typical income.
District of Columbia's affordability ratio of 1.43 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 12.3% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 68.2% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.61% adds $296 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,525/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $3,672.
District of Columbia monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $583,084 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $524,776 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $3,248 |
| Monthly property tax (0.61% rate) | $296 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $127 |
| Total monthly PITI | $3,672 |
| Required household income | $157,359 |
| Median household income | $109,707 |
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 District of Columbia compares
- Arizona — similar affordability (ratio 1.42, requires $116,046)
- Vermont — similar affordability (ratio 1.41, requires $117,012)
- Nevada — similar affordability (ratio 1.46, requires $118,343)
- 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 District of Columbia in 2026?
About $157,359 per year to afford the median-priced home of $583,084, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median District of Columbia household earns $109,707.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in District of Columbia?
Roughly $3,672 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is District of Columbia affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $47,652 (43%), ranking District of Columbia #17 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.