Income Needed to Buy a Home in Idaho (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $126,154/year (#11 least affordable of 51 US states)
Idaho ranks #11 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $473,335 requires a household income of about $126,154. That's $44,988 more than the median household actually earns ($81,166) — a shortfall of 55% of typical income.
Idaho's affordability ratio of 1.55 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 21.7% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 36.5% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
A low 0.48% effective property tax rate keeps the monthly tax bill to $189, softening the total payment, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,409/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,944.
Idaho monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $473,335 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $426,002 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,637 |
| Monthly property tax (0.48% rate) | $189 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $117 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,944 |
| Required household income | $126,154 |
| Median household income | $81,166 |
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 Idaho compares
- Colorado — similar affordability (ratio 1.56, requires $151,225)
- Florida — similar affordability (ratio 1.55, requires $120,466)
- Maine — similar affordability (ratio 1.51, requires $115,341)
- 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 Idaho in 2026?
About $126,154 per year to afford the median-priced home of $473,335, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Idaho household earns $81,166.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Idaho?
Roughly $2,944 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Idaho affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $44,988 (55%), ranking Idaho #11 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.