Income Needed to Buy a Home in North Carolina (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $98,305/year (#23 least affordable of 51 US states)
North Carolina ranks #23 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $336,408 requires a household income of about $98,305. That's $24,347 more than the median household actually earns ($73,958) — a shortfall of 33% of typical income.
North Carolina's affordability ratio of 1.33 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 4.1% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 3.0% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.62% adds $174 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $2,951/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,294.
North Carolina monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $336,408 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $302,767 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,874 |
| Monthly property tax (0.62% rate) | $174 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $246 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,294 |
| Required household income | $98,305 |
| Median household income | $73,958 |
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 North Carolina compares
- New Mexico — similar affordability (ratio 1.33, requires $90,306)
- Tennessee — similar affordability (ratio 1.32, requires $95,040)
- Wyoming — similar affordability (ratio 1.30, requires $98,518)
- 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 North Carolina in 2026?
About $98,305 per year to afford the median-priced home of $336,408, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median North Carolina household earns $73,958.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in North Carolina?
Roughly $2,294 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is North Carolina affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $24,347 (33%), ranking North Carolina #23 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.