Income Needed to Buy a Home in Utah (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $142,010/year (#15 least affordable of 51 US states)
Utah ranks #15 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $537,810 requires a household income of about $142,010. That's $45,352 more than the median household actually earns ($96,658) — a shortfall of 47% of typical income.
Utah's affordability ratio of 1.47 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 15.0% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 55.1% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
A low 0.47% effective property tax rate keeps the monthly tax bill to $211, softening the total payment, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,283/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $3,314.
Utah monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $537,810 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $484,029 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,996 |
| Monthly property tax (0.47% rate) | $211 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $107 |
| Total monthly PITI | $3,314 |
| Required household income | $142,010 |
| Median household income | $96,658 |
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 Utah compares
- Nevada — similar affordability (ratio 1.46, requires $118,343)
- District of Columbia — similar affordability (ratio 1.43, requires $157,359)
- New Hampshire — similar affordability (ratio 1.51, requires $150,387)
- 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 Utah in 2026?
About $142,010 per year to afford the median-priced home of $537,810, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Utah household earns $96,658.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Utah?
Roughly $3,314 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Utah affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $45,352 (47%), ranking Utah #15 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.