Income Needed to Buy a Home in North Dakota (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $87,273/year (#42 least affordable of 51 US states)
North Dakota ranks #42 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $284,076 requires a household income of about $87,273. That's $9,402 more than the median household actually earns ($77,871) — a shortfall of 12% of typical income.
North Dakota's affordability ratio of 1.12 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 12.3% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 18.1% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.94% adds $223 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $2,776/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,036.
North Dakota monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $284,076 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $255,668 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,583 |
| Monthly property tax (0.94% rate) | $223 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $231 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,036 |
| Required household income | $87,273 |
| Median household income | $77,871 |
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 Dakota compares
- Michigan — similar affordability (ratio 1.12, requires $81,170)
- Kansas — similar affordability (ratio 1.12, requires $84,710)
- Arkansas — similar affordability (ratio 1.11, requires $68,956)
- 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 Dakota in 2026?
About $87,273 per year to afford the median-priced home of $284,076, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median North Dakota household earns $77,871.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in North Dakota?
Roughly $2,036 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is North Dakota affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $9,402 (12%), ranking North Dakota #42 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.