H
ouston stands out as one of the few major US cities where owning a home remains within reach for average workers. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, Harris County, which includes Houston, is among only five large counties nationwide where homeownership costs are below 28% of median income. With a median home price of $318,750 and an average annual income of $85,800, homeowners in Harris County can spend around 25% of their pre-tax income on mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.

    This affordability sets Harris County apart from many other regions where home prices have outpaced income growth. "Home affordability continues to show signs of easing, which lightens the pressure on house hunters struggling to find a place that fits their budget," said ATTOM CEO Rob Barber. While owning a home still presents challenges, the overall market is "at least tracking in the right direction."

    In contrast, other Texas regions like Austin's Travis County have much higher debt-to-income ratios for homebuying, at 38.5%, five percentage points above the national average. Only a few large US counties, including Detroit and Philadelphia, join Harris County in maintaining affordable homeownership ratios. Smaller cities in Texas also fall within affordable ranges.

    Houston's relatively affordable housing market is further supported by local wage growth, which rose 2.7% last year while home prices increased by 2.9%. This helped maintain affordability, with the county's affordability index improving by 3% from the previous quarter and 11% year-over-year. As mortgage rates stabilize, Houston's housing market may remain a key option for homebuyers seeking affordability in an increasingly expensive national landscape.