Our Metro Housing Affordability Index measures whether a typical family in each metro area earns enough to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home. A score of 100 means the median household income exactly meets the qualifying threshold — higher is more affordable. In 2024, Danville, IL ranked as the most affordable metro, while Kahului-Wailuku, HI was the least affordable.
98.0
$71,444
$275,200
Most Affordable Metro Areas
Danville, IL
Index: 208.7
$99,700
$62,551 income
Johnstown, PA
Index: 177.3
$127,200
$61,786 income
Orangeburg, SC
Index: 174.3
$120,000
$53,885 income
Bluefield, WV
Index: 172.7
$126,700
$55,427 income
Massena-Ogdensburg, NY
Index: 170.4
$112,600
$62,330 income
Pikeville, KY
Index: 170.0
$99,400
$44,097 income
Hobbs, NM
Index: 166.9
$191,400
$80,482 income
Charleston, WV
Index: 165.8
$144,300
$61,625 income
Laurel, MS
Index: 165.3
$120,400
$50,985 income
Lumberton, NC
Index: 165.1
$104,000
$45,740 income
Least Affordable Metro Areas
Kahului-Wailuku, HI
Index: 39.8
$1,061,300
$101,168 income
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Index: 41.2
$908,500
$96,405 income
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Index: 41.5
$900,900
$95,637 income
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Index: 41.9
$1,528,500
$164,801 income
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Index: 42.5
$985,800
$107,893 income
Kapaa, HI
Index: 43.1
$939,500
$98,128 income
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
Index: 44.2
$883,700
$100,724 income
Salinas, CA
Index: 45.0
$808,600
$93,290 income
Key West-Key Largo, FL
Index: 45.2
$877,200
$100,256 income
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Index: 45.7
$1,132,900
$135,590 income
All Metro Areas Data
| Rank# | Metro AreaMetro | StateState | Affordability IndexIndex | Median IncomeIncome | Median Home PriceHome Price | PopulationPop. | Price/Income RatioP/I Ratio | Monthly PaymentMo. Payment | Payment % Income% Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danville | IL | 208.7 | $62,551 | $99,700 | 71K | 1.59 | $699 | 13.4% |
| 2 | Johnstown | PA | 177.3 | $61,786 | $127,200 | 130K | 2.06 | $813 | 15.8% |
| 3 | Orangeburg | SC | 174.3 | $53,885 | $120,000 | 83K | 2.23 | $721 | 16.1% |
| 4 | Bluefield | WV | 172.7 | $55,427 | $126,700 | 96K | 2.29 | $749 | 16.2% |
| 5 | Massena-Ogdensburg | NY | 170.4 | $62,330 | $112,600 | 106K | 1.81 | $854 | 16.4% |
| 6 | Pikeville | KY | 170.0 | $44,097 | $99,400 | 90K | 2.25 | $605 | 16.5% |
| 7 | Hobbs | NM | 166.9 | $80,482 | $191,400 | 75K | 2.38 | $1,125 | 16.8% |
| 8 | Charleston | WV | 165.8 | $61,625 | $144,300 | 200K | 2.34 | $867 | 16.9% |
| 9 | Laurel | MS | 165.3 | $50,985 | $120,400 | 82K | 2.36 | $720 | 16.9% |
| 10 | Lumberton | NC | 165.1 | $45,740 | $104,000 | 119K | 2.27 | $647 | 17.0% |
| 11 | Pine Bluff | AR | 163.3 | $51,523 | $122,100 | 70K | 2.37 | $736 | 17.1% |
| 12 | Meridian | MS | 160.5 | $58,923 | $139,500 | 85K | 2.37 | $857 | 17.4% |
| 13 | Cumberland | MD | 160.4 | $66,580 | $156,600 | 94K | 2.35 | $968 | 17.4% |
| 14 | DuBois | PA | 160.1 | $60,280 | $138,800 | 78K | 2.30 | $878 | 17.5% |
| 15 | Weirton-Steubenville | WV | 157.7 | $60,159 | $145,900 | 113K | 2.43 | $890 | 17.8% |
| 16 | Corning | NY | 156.5 | $68,613 | $137,300 | 92K | 2.00 | $1,023 | 17.9% |
| 17 | Beckley | WV | 151.4 | $51,327 | $135,100 | 111K | 2.63 | $791 | 18.5% |
| 18 | Gallup | NM | 150.4 | $45,307 | $104,600 | 69K | 2.31 | $703 | 18.6% |
| 19 | Opelousas | LA | 150.1 | $47,168 | $128,600 | 81K | 2.73 | $733 | 18.6% |
| 20 | Huntington-Ashland | WV | 150.1 | $61,741 | $159,600 | 367K | 2.58 | $960 | 18.6% |
| 21 | Olean | NY | 148.2 | $61,327 | $133,000 | 75K | 2.17 | $966 | 18.9% |
| 22 | Terre Haute | IN | 147.2 | $59,209 | $155,600 | 167K | 2.63 | $938 | 19.0% |
| 23 | Pottsville | PA | 147.1 | $69,320 | $169,900 | 145K | 2.45 | $1,100 | 19.0% |
| 24 | Altoona | PA | 146.1 | $66,994 | $169,600 | 120K | 2.53 | $1,070 | 19.2% |
| 25 | Roanoke Rapids | NC | 145.2 | $49,275 | $125,600 | 65K | 2.55 | $792 | 19.3% |
| 26 | Enid | OK | 144.3 | $67,004 | $176,800 | 62K | 2.64 | $1,083 | 19.4% |
| 27 | Kokomo | IN | 144.0 | $65,267 | $174,600 | 84K | 2.68 | $1,057 | 19.4% |
| 28 | Ottawa | IL | 143.5 | $73,050 | $167,100 | 145K | 2.29 | $1,188 | 19.5% |
| 29 | Marion | IN | 143.1 | $48,764 | $131,200 | 66K | 2.69 | $795 | 19.6% |
| 30 | Lufkin | TX | 142.6 | $63,719 | $170,000 | 88K | 2.67 | $1,043 | 19.6% |
| 31 | Elmira | NY | 141.4 | $66,527 | $146,800 | 81K | 2.21 | $1,098 | 19.8% |
| 32 | Jamestown-Dunkirk | NY | 141.0 | $59,537 | $138,300 | 124K | 2.32 | $985 | 19.9% |
| 33 | Quincy | IL | 141.0 | $68,315 | $170,200 | 74K | 2.49 | $1,131 | 19.9% |
| 34 | Paducah | KY | 140.6 | $64,271 | $174,500 | 100K | 2.72 | $1,067 | 19.9% |
| 35 | Decatur | IL | 140.4 | $61,411 | $142,600 | 101K | 2.32 | $1,020 | 19.9% |
| 36 | Clarksburg | WV | 139.0 | $60,731 | $172,400 | 90K | 2.84 | $1,019 | 20.1% |
| 37 | Marion-Herrin | IL | 138.9 | $68,415 | $167,700 | 67K | 2.45 | $1,150 | 20.2% |
| 38 | Somerset | PA | 138.7 | $63,164 | $171,300 | 72K | 2.71 | $1,062 | 20.2% |
| 39 | Indiana | PA | 138.6 | $62,945 | $159,700 | 83K | 2.54 | $1,060 | 20.2% |
| 40 | Peoria | IL | 138.4 | $74,352 | $173,700 | 366K | 2.34 | $1,254 | 20.2% |
| 41 | Marinette | WI | 138.2 | $61,077 | $162,900 | 65K | 2.67 | $1,031 | 20.3% |
| 42 | Mansfield | OH | 137.7 | $66,312 | $175,400 | 125K | 2.65 | $1,123 | 20.3% |
| 43 | Lima | OH | 136.7 | $67,668 | $182,100 | 101K | 2.69 | $1,155 | 20.5% |
| 44 | Lawton | OK | 136.0 | $61,848 | $172,900 | 127K | 2.80 | $1,061 | 20.6% |
| 45 | Bay City | MI | 135.4 | $64,694 | $168,700 | 103K | 2.61 | $1,115 | 20.7% |
| 46 | Russellville | AR | 135.4 | $60,358 | $176,700 | 85K | 2.93 | $1,040 | 20.7% |
| 47 | Muncie | IN | 135.2 | $54,232 | $154,400 | 113K | 2.85 | $936 | 20.7% |
| 48 | Muskogee | OK | 134.4 | $55,593 | $160,200 | 67K | 2.88 | $965 | 20.8% |
| 49 | Springfield | IL | 134.3 | $80,190 | $197,600 | 206K | 2.46 | $1,393 | 20.9% |
| 50 | Gadsden | AL | 134.2 | $57,959 | $173,700 | 103K | 3.00 | $1,008 | 20.9% |
| 51 | Saginaw | MI | 134.0 | $61,455 | $159,000 | 188K | 2.59 | $1,070 | 20.9% |
| 52 | Alexandria | LA | 133.8 | $55,909 | $165,800 | 148K | 2.97 | $975 | 20.9% |
| 53 | Albany | GA | 133.3 | $56,851 | $158,500 | 146K | 2.79 | $995 | 21.0% |
| 54 | Wichita Falls | TX | 133.3 | $66,981 | $177,000 | 150K | 2.64 | $1,173 | 21.0% |
| 55 | Battle Creek | MI | 132.9 | $65,024 | $172,300 | 134K | 2.65 | $1,142 | 21.1% |
| 56 | Sumter | SC | 132.9 | $56,824 | $168,500 | 105K | 2.97 | $998 | 21.1% |
| 57 | St. Joseph | MO | 132.8 | $66,180 | $191,600 | 119K | 2.90 | $1,163 | 21.1% |
| 58 | Joplin | MO | 132.3 | $62,796 | $184,500 | 207K | 2.94 | $1,107 | 21.2% |
| 59 | Sioux City | IA | 132.2 | $80,163 | $215,000 | 146K | 2.68 | $1,415 | 21.2% |
| 60 | Richmond | IN | 132.1 | $50,363 | $145,600 | 66K | 2.89 | $890 | 21.2% |
| 61 | Odessa | TX | 131.8 | $78,058 | $214,500 | 170K | 2.75 | $1,382 | 21.3% |
| 62 | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | IA | 131.6 | $71,446 | $182,100 | 381K | 2.55 | $1,267 | 21.3% |
| 63 | Wheeling | WV | 130.8 | $55,531 | $163,300 | 135K | 2.94 | $991 | 21.4% |
| 64 | Fort Payne | AL | 130.8 | $52,763 | $163,900 | 73K | 3.11 | $941 | 21.4% |
| 65 | Rio Grande City-Roma | TX | 130.2 | $32,157 | $87,800 | 67K | 2.73 | $576 | 21.5% |
| 66 | Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux | LA | 130.1 | $62,338 | $192,000 | 199K | 3.08 | $1,118 | 21.5% |
| 67 | Beaumont-Port Arthur | TX | 130.1 | $65,775 | $181,700 | 399K | 2.76 | $1,180 | 21.5% |
| 68 | Owosso | MI | 130.1 | $71,526 | $197,500 | 68K | 2.76 | $1,283 | 21.5% |
| 69 | Findlay | OH | 129.8 | $81,810 | $235,800 | 75K | 2.88 | $1,470 | 21.6% |
| 70 | Anniston-Oxford | AL | 129.8 | $52,719 | $163,400 | 116K | 3.10 | $948 | 21.6% |
| 71 | Danville | VA | 129.4 | $56,347 | $171,300 | 101K | 3.04 | $1,016 | 21.6% |
| 72 | Meadville | PA | 129.4 | $57,679 | $161,000 | 82K | 2.79 | $1,040 | 21.6% |
| 73 | Clovis | NM | 129.2 | $55,418 | $167,300 | 66K | 3.02 | $1,001 | 21.7% |
| 74 | Decatur | AL | 128.9 | $69,526 | $219,800 | 160K | 3.16 | $1,259 | 21.7% |
| 75 | Binghamton | NY | 128.9 | $65,599 | $161,600 | 244K | 2.46 | $1,188 | 21.7% |
| 76 | Columbus | IN | 128.8 | $80,438 | $238,200 | 85K | 2.96 | $1,457 | 21.7% |
| 77 | Salem | OH | 128.6 | $58,360 | $170,400 | 100K | 2.92 | $1,059 | 21.8% |
| 78 | Portsmouth | OH | 128.3 | $54,431 | $155,400 | 72K | 2.85 | $990 | 21.8% |
| 79 | Monroe | LA | 128.1 | $56,468 | $176,900 | 222K | 3.13 | $1,029 | 21.9% |
| 80 | Searcy | AR | 127.7 | $52,537 | $165,200 | 79K | 3.14 | $960 | 21.9% |
| 81 | Dothan | AL | 126.5 | $60,024 | $192,800 | 155K | 3.21 | $1,107 | 22.1% |
| 82 | Talladega-Sylacauga | AL | 126.4 | $52,562 | $169,300 | 92K | 3.22 | $970 | 22.1% |
| 83 | Columbus | MS | 125.6 | $52,139 | $165,100 | 69K | 3.17 | $969 | 22.3% |
| 84 | Parkersburg-Vienna | WV | 125.5 | $54,861 | $172,400 | 87K | 3.14 | $1,020 | 22.3% |
| 85 | Shawnee | OK | 125.2 | $61,352 | $190,800 | 74K | 3.11 | $1,144 | 22.4% |
| 86 | Youngstown-Warren | OH | 124.9 | $57,812 | $166,800 | 426K | 2.89 | $1,080 | 22.4% |
| 87 | Topeka | KS | 124.2 | $74,389 | $211,800 | 233K | 2.85 | $1,397 | 22.5% |
| 88 | Midland | MI | 123.8 | $78,046 | $222,300 | 84K | 2.85 | $1,471 | 22.6% |
| 89 | Owensboro | KY | 123.5 | $67,068 | $208,000 | 113K | 3.10 | $1,267 | 22.7% |
| 90 | Canton-Massillon | OH | 123.3 | $69,597 | $205,400 | 401K | 2.95 | $1,317 | 22.7% |
| 91 | Farmington | NM | 123.3 | $66,426 | $210,000 | 121K | 3.16 | $1,257 | 22.7% |
| 92 | Florence-Muscle Shoals | AL | 122.8 | $66,882 | $218,600 | 156K | 3.27 | $1,270 | 22.8% |
| 93 | Watertown-Fort Drum | NY | 122.5 | $70,624 | $204,800 | 113K | 2.90 | $1,345 | 22.9% |
| 94 | Montgomery | AL | 122.5 | $66,706 | $220,500 | 387K | 3.31 | $1,271 | 22.9% |
| 95 | Warner Robins | GA | 122.2 | $78,028 | $242,600 | 204K | 3.11 | $1,490 | 22.9% |
| 96 | Albertville | AL | 121.9 | $68,048 | $227,200 | 102K | 3.34 | $1,303 | 23.0% |
| 97 | Abilene | TX | 121.8 | $63,390 | $190,500 | 182K | 3.01 | $1,214 | 23.0% |
| 98 | Hermitage | PA | 121.6 | $60,030 | $184,700 | 108K | 3.08 | $1,152 | 23.0% |
| 99 | Lake Charles | LA | 121.6 | $65,144 | $213,100 | 244K | 3.27 | $1,250 | 23.0% |
| 100 | Sunbury | PA | 121.6 | $64,268 | $197,700 | 108K | 3.08 | $1,234 | 23.0% |
Methodology
How the Index Is Calculated
The Metro Housing Affordability Index measures whether the median household income in a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is enough to qualify for a mortgage on the median-priced home. An index of 100 means the median household exactly meets the qualifying threshold. Above 100 is more affordable; below 100 means housing is out of reach for the median earner.
Affordability Index = (Median Income / Qualifying Income) × 100
Qualifying Income = (Monthly PITI / 0.28) × 12
Monthly PITI = Principal & Interest + Property Tax + Insurance
Assumptions
- 20% down payment on the median-priced home
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at the 2024 annual average rate
- 28% front-end debt-to-income ratio (housing expenses only)
- Homeowner's insurance at 0.35% of home value annually
- Metro-specific effective property tax rates (implied from Census data)
Data Sources
- Median Household Income: Census ACS 1-Year, Table B19013 (CBSA level)
- Median Home Price: Census ACS 1-Year, Table B25077 (CBSA level)
- Property Tax Rates: Implied from Census ACS Table B25103 / B25077 per metro
- Mortgage Rate: FRED, 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average (MORTGAGE30US)
- Population: Census ACS 1-Year, Table B01003 (CBSA level)
About Metro Area (CBSA) Geography
Metro areas are defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs). A CBSA consists of a county or group of counties centered on an urban core of at least 10,000 people. Some CBSAs span multiple states (e.g., Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN). This page covers all metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas for which the Census Bureau publishes 1-Year ACS estimates, typically those with populations over 65,000.
Update Schedule
Data is refreshed annually when the U.S. Census Bureau releases new ACS 1-Year Estimates, typically in September for the prior calendar year. Mortgage rates are averaged across all weekly observations for the data year.
This product uses the FRED® API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average (MORTGAGE30US) is sourced from Freddie Mac via FRED.