Aspiring home buyers in Austin may want to reconsider dipping their toes into the market amid a report that finds they need to earn well over the national average household income to afford a house in the city.
Austin ranked in the top 20 U.S. cities — taking the 16th spot — where residents need to earn the highest salaries to buy a home.
The capital city requires households to have $132,037 annually to afford a median-priced home at today’s mortgage rates, above the national average of $106,731 and well over the 2024 U.S median household income of $83,730.
How much do you need to make a year to buy a home in Texas?
Austin came in first among Texas cities, with Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio following, respectively.
- Austin: $132,037
- Dallas: $106,277
- Houston: $96,773
- San Antonio: $90,999
The data, calculated by HSH, assumes a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, incorporating principal, interest, taxes and insurance as of the fourth quarter of 2025…