Income Needed to Buy a Home in Georgia (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $95,700/year (#34 least affordable of 51 US states)
Georgia ranks #34 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $332,063 requires a household income of about $95,700. That's $15,709 more than the median household actually earns ($79,991) — a shortfall of 20% of typical income.
Georgia's affordability ratio of 1.20 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 6.3% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 4.2% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.77% adds $213 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $2,041/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,233.
Georgia monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $332,063 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $298,857 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,850 |
| Monthly property tax (0.77% rate) | $213 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $170 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,233 |
| Required household income | $95,700 |
| Median household income | $79,991 |
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 Georgia compares
- Maryland — similar affordability (ratio 1.19, requires $122,656)
- South Carolina — similar affordability (ratio 1.20, requires $87,028)
- Minnesota — similar affordability (ratio 1.21, requires $105,209)
- 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 Georgia in 2026?
About $95,700 per year to afford the median-priced home of $332,063, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Georgia household earns $79,991.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Georgia?
Roughly $2,233 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Georgia affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $15,709 (20%), ranking Georgia #34 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.