If you've been searching for a home you can actually afford, there's good news. A new report shows that in 11 states, a typical family can still buy a home without spending too much of their paycheck on it. This is a big deal, because in many parts of the country, housing costs have grown much faster than wages.

The report comes from Realtor.com, a trusted source for home listing data. It looked at all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Then it compared the median home price in each state to the median household income. The goal was to see where families could buy a home while spending 30% or less of their income on it. This 30% number is a common rule used by housing experts, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to figure out if a home is truly affordable. When housing costs go above 30% of your income, it becomes harder to pay for other important things like food, transportation, and health care.

The 11 States Where Housing Is Still Affordable

Here are the states where a typical family can buy a median-priced home and stay within that 30% mark:

1. Iowa – the most affordable state in the country. Buyers only need to spend about 25.4% of their income to afford a median-priced home of $282,886.
2. Illinois – close behind, at about 26% of income for a median home price of $307,674.
3. Ohio – tied for third, requiring about 27% of income, with a median home price of $277,348.
4. Kansas – also at 27%, with a median home price of $292,632.
5. Indiana – needing about 28.3% of income, with a median home price of $295,810.
6. Michigan
7. Pennsylvania
8. West Virginia
9. Missouri
10. Maryland
11. Minnesota

All of these states share something in common: home prices there have stayed reasonable, while local incomes have kept pace. That combination makes it possible for regular working families, not just high earners, to find a place to call home.

How This Helps You

Housing costs have been a heavy burden for many Americans over the last few years. According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, nearly half of all renters in the U.S. now pay more than 30% of their income on housing. That's the highest number ever recorded. When you spend that much on rent or a mortgage, it can be much harder to save money, cover an emergency, or plan for the future.

That's exactly why this report is such good news. It shows that affordable homeownership is not out of reach everywhere. In fact, in the Midwest especially, there are still real opportunities for people who want to own a home without being "house poor," meaning stuck with a housing payment that eats up too much of your budget.

It's also worth knowing that being cost-burdened isn't just a homeownership problem. It affects renters too. The National Low Income Housing Coalition tracks the shortage of affordable rental homes across the country and works to help more families find housing they can actually afford. Groups like this, along with your local Public Housing Authority, can be great resources if you're searching for a home that fits your budget.

What Makes These States Different

Housing experts say the biggest reason these states are more affordable comes down to a healthy balance between home prices and local wages. In places like Iowa and Ohio, home prices have grown slowly compared to other parts of the country, while incomes have kept rising. That means families don't need to stretch their budgets as far to buy a home.

This is different from many coastal states and big cities, where home prices have shot up much faster than what people earn. In those areas, even a modest home can require well over 30%, sometimes even 40% or 50%, of a family's income. The states on this list show that there are still places in America where the math works out in your favor.

Looking Beyond the Top 11

Even if you don't live in one of these 11 states, don't lose hope. Affordability can vary a lot from city to city, even within a single state. A state that doesn't make the top 11 list might still have individual cities or towns with home prices and rents that fit comfortably into your budget. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes helpful housing data by city and county, which can be a good starting point if you want to dig deeper into a specific area.

It's also worth remembering that many affordable housing programs, including Section 8 housing choice vouchers, are designed to help lower-income families and individuals pay for safe, decent housing no matter which state they live in. These programs are run locally, so the options and waiting lists can look very different depending on where you search.

Tips for Your Own Housing Search

If you're planning a move or just starting your search for affordable housing, here are a few simple steps that can help:

• Look at income compared to home price or rent, not just the price alone. A home might look expensive at first, but if local wages are strong, it may still be affordable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data by state and city that can help with this comparison.
• Check with your local Public Housing Authority. Every state has local housing authorities that manage Section 8 vouchers and other assistance programs. They can tell you about waiting lists, eligibility, and what's currently available.
• Consider smaller cities and towns, not just big metro areas. Some of the best deals are found outside major cities, where demand is lower and home prices are more reasonable.
• Use free government tools to research an area before you move. Sites like HUD.gov and the Census Bureau offer free data on income, housing costs, and community resources.
• Be patient, but stay proactive. Affordable housing programs often have waiting lists, so it helps to apply early and check back regularly on your status.

A Simple Takeaway

The bottom line is this: affordable housing still exists in the United States, and for many families, it's more within reach than the headlines might suggest. States like Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Kansas, and Indiana currently offer some of the best value for everyday buyers. If you're flexible about where you live, or if you're just starting to plan a move, these states are worth a closer look.

Housing affordability is not just about a lucky location. It's about finding the right combination of home prices, local wages, and support programs that work for your situation. Whether you're buying your first home or looking for rental assistance, there are real, workable options out there.

Let Us Help You Find Housing Near You

If you're currently looking for affordable housing or want to learn more about Section 8 and housing assistance programs available in your state, we can help make the search easier. Take a look at our state-by-state housing directory to find local resources, housing authorities, and programs that may be available in your area.