Income Needed to Buy a Home in Ohio (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $74,011/year (#48 least affordable of 51 US states)
Ohio ranks #48 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $242,141 requires a household income of about $74,011. That's $1,799 more than the median household actually earns ($72,212) — a shortfall of 2% of typical income.
Ohio's affordability ratio of 1.02 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 19.8% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 30.2% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 1.31% adds $264 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,364/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $1,727.
Ohio monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $242,141 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $217,927 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,349 |
| Monthly property tax (1.31% rate) | $264 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $114 |
| Total monthly PITI | $1,727 |
| Required household income | $74,011 |
| Median household income | $72,212 |
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 Ohio compares
- Indiana — similar affordability (ratio 1.02, requires $73,609)
- Mississippi — similar affordability (ratio 1.05, requires $62,027)
- Alabama — similar affordability (ratio 1.06, requires $70,614)
- 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 Ohio in 2026?
About $74,011 per year to afford the median-priced home of $242,141, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Ohio household earns $72,212.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Ohio?
Roughly $1,727 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Ohio affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $1,799 (2%), ranking Ohio #48 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.