TEXAS — New data from Redfin shows the income needed to purchase a starter home in the U.S. is down 1.5%. As we dug deeper into the analysis, the affordability news is even better in major Texas cities.
“Prices have come down because of that increase in supply. So if you live in Austin, you have a better shot at affording that median-priced home than somebody living in different parts of the country,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin.
In 2025, people looking to buy a starter home in Austin needed an annual income of about $98,664, according to Redfin. This year, that’s down just about $6,000 — the biggest decline among the cities in the analysis.
“The reason that Austin prices have come down so much in the income needed to afford an Austin home has come down so much, is because it was the epicenter of all the building that happened,” said Fairweather.
Austin may be the leader, but it wasn’t alone among Texas cities. In Dallas, you need to make $83,096. Last year, that number was nearly $4,500 more. Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston are also seeing lower income requirements compared to last year.
“In Texas in general, there was a lot of building that happened during the pandemic. And with all of that added supply, those people selling homes, they have to compete against one another and they have to cut prices,” said Fairweather.
If you’re in the market to buy your first home, experts told Spectrum News now may be a good time.
“Prices are low. Interest rates are a little high. But there’s a saying, marry the house, date the rate. You can refinance down the road,” said Olivia Vale, Broker Associate in Austin.