Income Needed to Buy a Home in Louisiana (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $77,091/year (#28 least affordable of 51 US states)
Louisiana ranks #28 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $211,635 requires a household income of about $77,091. That's $16,105 more than the median household actually earns ($60,986) — a shortfall of 26% of typical income.
Louisiana's affordability ratio of 1.26 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 1.0% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 39.0% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
A low 0.55% effective property tax rate keeps the monthly tax bill to $97, softening the total payment — and homeowners insurance is a real burden here at $6,274/year ($523/month), well above what most states pay. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $1,799.
Louisiana monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $211,635 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $190,471 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,179 |
| Monthly property tax (0.55% rate) | $97 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $523 |
| Total monthly PITI | $1,799 |
| Required household income | $77,091 |
| Median household income | $60,986 |
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 Louisiana compares
- Wisconsin — similar affordability (ratio 1.27, requires $98,221)
- Texas — similar affordability (ratio 1.26, requires $100,396)
- Virginia — similar affordability (ratio 1.26, requires $115,911)
- 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 Louisiana in 2026?
About $77,091 per year to afford the median-priced home of $211,635, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Louisiana household earns $60,986.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Louisiana?
Roughly $1,799 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Louisiana affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $16,105 (26%), ranking Louisiana #28 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.