Income Needed to Buy a Home in Oregon (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $136,933/year (#9 least affordable of 51 US states)
Oregon ranks #9 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $499,004 requires a household income of about $136,933. That's $51,713 more than the median household actually earns ($85,220) — a shortfall of 61% of typical income.
Oregon's affordability ratio of 1.61 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 25.8% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 43.9% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.78% adds $324 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,091/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $3,195.
Oregon monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $499,004 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $449,103 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,780 |
| Monthly property tax (0.78% rate) | $324 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $91 |
| Total monthly PITI | $3,195 |
| Required household income | $136,933 |
| Median household income | $85,220 |
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 Oregon compares
- Colorado — similar affordability (ratio 1.56, requires $151,225)
- Idaho — similar affordability (ratio 1.55, requires $126,154)
- Washington — similar affordability (ratio 1.66, requires $165,086)
- 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 Oregon in 2026?
About $136,933 per year to afford the median-priced home of $499,004, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Oregon household earns $85,220.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Oregon?
Roughly $3,195 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Oregon affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $51,713 (61%), ranking Oregon #9 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.