How much do I need to earn to buy a house in Dallas?

To afford the median Dallas home ($380,000) at standard 36% DTI with 6.7% mortgage rate and 20% down, you need approximately $108,000/year. The city median household income is $65,000, creating a gap of $43,000/year.

What percentage of Dallas homes are affordable on median income?

Based on FRC analysis using BLS income data and Zillow home prices (May 2026), approximately 32% of Dallas homes are affordable on the median household income of $65,000/year.

FRC City Analysis · May 2026

Dallas, TX
Housing Affordability

STRESSED — 32% of homes affordable

Dallas looks affordable until you add Texas property taxes. The 1.95% rate adds $615/month to a $380K home. Middle-income buyers often find Houston or San Antonio more realistic.

$380,000

Median Home Price

$2,737/mo

Monthly PITI (20% down)

$108,000

Income Needed (36% DTI)

$65,000

Median Household Income

+$43,000

Annual Income Gap

32%

Homes Affordable on Median

The Math

At today's 6.7% mortgage rate with 20% down, the monthly PITI on Dallas's median home is $2,737. To keep housing under 36% of gross income (the back-end DTI threshold most lenders use), you need $108,000/year — 166% of the city's median income.

The local median income of $65,000 leaves a gap of $43,000/year. This means the median household needs to earn 66% more to comfortably qualify for the median home.

Affordable Alternatives

📍 Nearest affordable areas: Garland, Irving, Arlington
These surrounding communities typically offer lower home prices within commuting distance.

See If You'd Qualify

These are market averages. Your situation depends on your income, debts, and credit.

🏦 Ask Zai About Dallas → ← All Cities

Source: BLS OEWS 2024, Zillow ZHVI May 2026, FRC Underwriting Model. Not financial advice. Educational analysis only.

Dallas, TXHousing Affordability

The Math

Affordable Alternatives

Dallas, TX
Housing Affordability