Income Needed to Buy a Home in Missouri (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $78,892/year (#44 least affordable of 51 US states)
Missouri ranks #44 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $263,040 requires a household income of about $78,892. That's $7,303 more than the median household actually earns ($71,589) — a shortfall of 10% of typical income.
Missouri's affordability ratio of 1.10 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 13.7% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 24.1% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.88% adds $193 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $2,191/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $1,841.
Missouri monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $263,040 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $236,736 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,465 |
| Monthly property tax (0.88% rate) | $193 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $183 |
| Total monthly PITI | $1,841 |
| Required household income | $78,892 |
| Median household income | $71,589 |
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 Missouri compares
- Arkansas — similar affordability (ratio 1.11, requires $68,956)
- Pennsylvania — similar affordability (ratio 1.08, requires $84,083)
- North Dakota — similar affordability (ratio 1.12, requires $87,273)
- 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 Missouri in 2026?
About $78,892 per year to afford the median-priced home of $263,040, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Missouri household earns $71,589.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Missouri?
Roughly $1,841 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Missouri affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $7,303 (10%), ranking Missouri #44 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.