Income Needed to Buy a Home in Washington (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $165,086/year (#8 least affordable of 51 US states)
Washington ranks #8 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $601,016 requires a household income of about $165,086. That's $65,697 more than the median household actually earns ($99,389) — a shortfall of 66% of typical income.
Washington's affordability ratio of 1.66 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 30.1% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 73.4% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.75% adds $376 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,539/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $3,852. Washington has no state income tax, which effectively boosts take-home pay relative to the sticker income requirement.
Washington monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $601,016 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $540,915 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $3,348 |
| Monthly property tax (0.75% rate) | $376 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $128 |
| Total monthly PITI | $3,852 |
| Required household income | $165,086 |
| Median household income | $99,389 |
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 Washington compares
- New Jersey — similar affordability (ratio 1.69, requires $176,276)
- Oregon — similar affordability (ratio 1.61, requires $136,933)
- Montana — similar affordability (ratio 1.75, requires $131,484)
- 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 Washington in 2026?
About $165,086 per year to afford the median-priced home of $601,016, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Washington household earns $99,389.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Washington?
Roughly $3,852 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Washington affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $65,697 (66%), ranking Washington #8 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.