The Least Expensive Zip Codes in America

The 46226 ZIP code is located just northeast of downtown Indianapolis and is bisected by Interstate 465. The typical area home sold for just $97,750 in 2020, a fraction of the national median home sale value.

Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford — and just as home values are low in the area, so are incomes. The typical household in the 46226 ZIP code earns just $36,285 a year compared to the national median income of $62,843. Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market to some degree. Over the last five years, 13.2% of area workers were unemployed, more than double the comparable 5.3% national unemployment rate.

The 73110 ZIP code, located just east of downtown Oklahoma City, has some of the least expensive homes in the country. The median home sale price in the area in 2020 was just $97,500.

As is often the case in areas with low home values, most homes in the 73110 ZIP are relatively old. Over 57% of the houses in the area were built in 1969 or earlier, compared to about 38% of homes nationwide. Lack of new development in the area is indicative of the relative lack of demand for housing. Over the last five years, the local population has grown by just 1.0%. The U.S. population expanded by 4.2% over the same period.

The 78521 ZIP code extends east from Brownsville, Texas, to the Gulf Coast. Based on 2020 home sale data, the typical area home is worth just $97,375, making it the only ZIP code in the Lone Star state where most homes sold for less than $100,000 in 2020.

Home values in a given area are typically a reflection of what residents can afford — and Texas’ 78521 ZIP code is a low-income area. Nearly 35% of local residents live below the poverty line, well more than double the 13.4% national poverty rate. Pervasive financial hardship in the area has given way to overcrowding. Over 15% of homes in the Brownsville area have an average of more than one occupant for every room. Nationwide, only 3.4% of housing units are similarly crowded.

Southern Florida is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Not all parts of the region are financially out of reach for most Americans, however. In the 33313 ZIP code, located in the Fort Lauderdale area about halfway between the Atlantic Coast and the Everglades, most homes sold for $97,000 or less in 2020 — well below half the national median home sale price.

Though it is one of the least expensive places to live in the country, home values in the 33313 ZIP code have appreciated substantially in the last several years. The typical area home sold for just $52,500 as recently as 2015. Home values have likely been driven up by demand. From 2015 to 2020, the number of people with an address in the 33313 ZIP code increased by 10.4% — more than double the national population growth over that time.

The median home sale price nationwide jumped by about $30,000 from 2019 to 2020. In the 72401 ZIP code, which covers Jonesboro, Arkansas, on the north side if Interstate 555, the median home sale price fell by nearly $14,000, from $110,000 in 2019 to $96,250 in 2020 — one of the lowest median home sale values of any ZIP code in the country.

Home values in a given area are typically a reflection of what residents can afford. In the 72401 ZIP code, most households earn less than $43,000 a year, and 20.3% of the population live below the poverty line. Nationwide, the typical household earns $62,843 annually, and 13.4% of the population are in poverty.

The 48910 ZIP code, located just south of downtown Lansing, Michigan, has some of the least expensive homes in the country. The median home sale price in the area in 2020 was just $95,000.

Many parts of the country with low home values are in areas where demand for housing has not climbed much in recent decades and development has stalled. In Lansing’s 48910 ZIP code, more than 70% of homes were built before the 1970s, compared to just 38.4% of homes nationwide.

The 61201 ZIP code in Illinois is located directly across the Mississippi River from Davenport, Iowa. There were over 650 home sales in the ZIP code in 2020, and most of those homes sold for $95,000 or less.

As is often the case in areas with low home values, most homes in the 61201 area are relatively old. Nearly 80% of the houses were built before 1970, compared to about 38% of homes nationwide. Lack of new development in the area is indicative of the relative lack of demand for new housing. Over the last five years, the local population contracted by 2.7%. The U.S. population expanded by 4.2% over the same period.

The 36109 ZIP code in Montgomery, Alabama, located west of the State Capitol building, is one of several ZIP codes in the state where the typical home sells for less than $100,000. A total of 719 homes sold in the area in 2020 at a median sale price of just $95,000.

The area’s low home prices make it one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the 36109 ZIP code is just 1.7 times higher than the area’s median household income of $54,561. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

Maryland’s 21502 ZIP code, located in the western part of the state and bordered by both West Virginia and Pennsylvania, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States. A total of 555 area homes sold in 2020, and most of them went for less than $95,000.

The ZIP code is in the state’s coal-producing region, and like many historical coal mining towns, the 21502 ZIP code in Cumberland, Maryland, is struggling economically. The local poverty rate of 17.7% is considerably higher than the 13.4% national rate. In addition to lower incomes, low housing prices are also attributable to low demand. Over the last five years, the local population contracted by 2.4%. The U.S. population expanded by 4.2% over the same period.

The 35215 ZIP code, located northeast of downtown Birmingham, has some of the least expensive homes in the country. Some 870 area homes were sold in the last year, and most of them went for less than $95,000.

Home values are typically a reflection of what residents can afford, and many in Birmingham’s 35215 ZIP code are struggling financially. Nearly 25% of the local population live below the poverty line, and more than one in 10 households earn less than $10,000 a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

Of the 586 homes sold in Baltimore’s 21218 ZIP code in 2020, most were bought for $94,100 or less. The area, located in the northern part of the city, almost entirely above Route 40, has mostly older construction homes. Only about 13% of all housing units in the area were built since 1970.

Like most areas with low home values, the 21218 ZIP code has high unemployment and multi-year population decline. Over the last five years, an average of 10.2% of the local labor force have been unemployed, nearly double the comparable 5.3% national jobless rate. Additionally, since 2015, the number of people living in the area has fallen by 4.0%.

Michigan’s 48146 ZIP code is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Detroit, covering the city of Lincoln Park. Like much of the greater Detroit area, Lincoln Park has been economically decimated by the decline of American manufacturing. In the 1960s, the area was home to over 54,000 people. Today it is home to less than 38,000. Of the nearly 550 homes sold in the area in 2020, half went for just $92,000 or less.

Like many areas with long-term population decline and low home values, Lincoln Park has had little in the way of new residential construction in the last several decades. About 88% of area homes were built before 1970, and less than 2% of homes were built since 2000. Nationwide, only 38.4% of housing units were built before 1970, and 19.1% have gone up since 2000.

The typical home sold in 2020 in Iowa’s 52601 ZIP code, located in the southeastern corner of the state along the Mississippi River, went for just $89,250. The area’s low home values are due in part to lack of demand. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area declined by 4.5%.

The area’s low home values make it one of the most affordable in the United States. The local median home sale price is only 1.8 times the local median household income of $49,613. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times the median income of $62,843.

Michigan’s 49442 ZIP code extends eastward from Muskegon towards the center of the state. Over 630 local homes were bought and sold in 2020, and the median sale price was just $88,500.

Home values in a given area are typically a reflection of what residents can afford. In the 49442 ZIP code, most households earn less than $40,000 a year, and 22.5% of the population live below the poverty line. Nationwide, the typical household earns $62,843, and 13.4% of the population live in poverty.

The 61554 ZIP code in Illinois, which covers the city of Pekin, just south of Peoria, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States. At least half of the 735 homes sold in the area in 2020 went for $88,500 or less. Home prices are low in the area likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 4.8%.

The area’s low home prices make it one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the 61554 ZIP code is just 1.7 times higher than the area’s median household income of $53,369. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The 35810 ZIP code, located just north of downtown Huntsville, Alabama, has some of the least expensive housing in the country. A total of 690 homes were bought and sold in the area in 2020 at a median sale price of just $88,000.

Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford — and just as home values are low in the area, so are incomes. The typical area household earns just $37,488 a year compared to the national median income of $62,843. Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market to some degree. Over the last five years, 9.0% of area workers were unemployed, well above the comparable 5.3% national unemployment rate.

The 47201 ZIP code in Indiana is located just south of Indianapolis and includes the city of Columbus. The typical home that is sold in the area has a price tag of just $86,600.

The area’s low home prices make it one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the 47201 ZIP code is just 1.4 times the area’s median household income of $63,510. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times the national median income of $62,843.

The 61604 ZIP code in Illinois, located just west of downtown Peoria, has some of the least expensive and most affordable homes in the United States. The typical area home sold in 2020 went for just $85,500, only 1.8 times more than the local median household income of $46,803. Meanwhile, nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The area’s home prices are among the lower ones in the country likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 5.8%.

The broader Miami metropolitan area has some of the most expensive ZIP codes in the United States. Though it is located in West Palm Beach in the Miami metro area, the 33417 ZIP code is on the other end of the spectrum. There were over 900 homes bought and sold in the ZIP code in 2020, and most went for $85,000 or less.

Parts of the country with low home values are often home to relatively large populations that are struggling financially. In the 33417 ZIP code, about one in every five residents live below the poverty line, and one in every 10 households earn $10,000 or less a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

Detroit symbolizes the economic decline of the American Rush Belt, which is evident in the 48221 ZIP code. Located north of downtown Detroit, the ZIP code’s median home sale price in the last year was just $85,000, less than half of the median nationwide in 2020.

Many parts of the country with low home values are in areas where demand for housing has not climbed much in recent decades and development has stalled. In Detroit’s 48221 ZIP code, nearly 95% of homes were built before the 1970s, compared to just 38.4% of homes nationwide.

The 63114 ZIP code in Missouri, located northwest of downtown St. Louis, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States. At least half of the 678 homes sold in the area in 2020 went for $82,750 or less. The area’s home prices are among the lowest likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 3.6%.

Low home prices make the area one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the 63114 ZIP code is just 1.8 times higher than the median household income in the area of $46,346. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The 38128 ZIP code, located just northeast of downtown Memphis, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States. The typical area home that sold in 2020 went for just $82,200.

Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford — and just as home values are low in the area, so are incomes. The typical household in the 38128 ZIP code earns just $35,832 a year compared to the national median income of $62,843. Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market. Over the last five years, 7.9% of area workers were unemployed, considerably higher than the comparable 5.3% national unemployment rate.

The 62040 ZIP code in Illinois is located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. With a median home sale price of just $80,000 in 2020, it has some of the least expensive homes in the country. Partially as a result, the area is among the most affordable places for homeowners in the country. The typical home sale price in the ZIP code is just 1.5 times higher than the median household income in the area of $51,953. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

Greater affordability means fewer residents need to finance their home, and those who do can pay off the loan in less time. Only 56.5% of owner occupied homes in the area have a mortgage, below the national share of 62.7%.

The 32208 ZIP code, situated along the Trout River just north of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, is one of only 27 ZIP codes nationwide where the typical home sold in 2020 cost less than $80,000. There were over 540 homes bought and sold in the area in the last year and most went for $78,650 or less.

Parts of the country with low home values are often home to relatively large populations that are struggling financially. In the 32208 ZIP code, nearly one in every four residents live below the poverty line, and 12.9% households earn $10,000 or less a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

The 62002 ZIP code, located north of, and across the Mississippi River from, St. Louis, has some of the least expensive housing in the United States. The typical area home that sold in 2020 went for just $78,600. The area’s home prices are among the country’s lowest likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 3.9%.

Low home prices make the area one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the 62002 ZIP code is just 1.7 times higher than the median household income in the area of $45,130. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The 30906 postal code, which covers a large portion of Augusta, Georgia, south of the downtown area, has some of the least expensive homes in the country. A total of 824 area homes were bought and sold in 2020, and most went for $75,331 or less.

Parts of the country with low home values are often home to relatively large low-income populations. In the 30906 ZIP code, the poverty rate stands at 28.4%, and 11.5% of households earn $10,000 or less a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6.0% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

The 31204 postal code, which covers much of the western part of Macon, Georgia, had a median home sale price of just $75,000 in 2020.

Home values in a given area are typically a reflection of what residents can afford. In the 31204 ZIP code, which is one of the poorest in the country, most households earn less than $34,500 a year, and 30.3% of the population live below the poverty line. Nationwide, the typical household earns $62,843 and 13.4% of the population live in poverty.

Homes in the 38122 postal code, located in eastern Memphis, Tennessee, are among the least expensive in the country. There were nearly 530 home sales in the area in 2020, and among them, the median sale price was just $70,000.

Many parts of the country with low home values are in areas where demand for housing has not climbed much in recent decades and development has stalled. In Memphis’ 38122 ZIP code, 86.6% of homes were built before 1970, compared to just 38.4% of homes nationwide.

In the 38301 postal code, which covers much of Jackson, Tennessee, and sits mostly south of Interstate 40, is one of only 22 ZIP codes in the U.S. where most homes sold in 2020 went for less than $70,000. The median price of the more than 500 housing units sold in the area last year was just $69,500.

The area’s home prices are among the lowest likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 7.8%.

The 47203 ZIP code, which includes parts of Columbus, Indiana, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States — and is also one of the most affordable housing markets in the country.

There were 523 home sales in the area in 2020 and the median sales price was just $69,430, which is only 1.1 times higher than the median household income in the area of $62,958. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The 61401 ZIP code, which includes the city of Galesburg, Illinois, has some of the least expensive housing in the United States. The typical area home that sold in 2020 went for just $68,000. The area’s home prices are among the lowest in the country likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 4.9%.

Like many areas with multi-year population decline and low home values, the 61401 postal code has had little in the way of new residential construction in the last several decades. About 71% of area homes were built before 1970, and less than 4% of homes were built since 2000. Nationwide, only 38.4% of housing units were built before 1970 and 19.1% have gone up since 2000.

The 48089 ZIP code in Warren, Michigan, is one of several parts of the Detroit metro area with some of the lowest home values in the country. In the 48089 ZIP, the median home sale price in 2020 was just $68,000.

Many parts of the country with low home values are in areas where demand for housing has not climbed much in recent decades and development has stalled. In Michigan’s 48089 ZIP code, 76.4% of homes were built before 1970, and less than 3% of homes were built since 2000. Nationwide, only 38.4% of housing units were built before 1970, and 19.1% have gone up since 2000.

Philadelphia’s 19134 ZIP code, located across the Delaware River from East Camden, New Jersey, has some of the least expensive housing in the United States. A total of 920 area homes were bought and sold in 2020, and the median sale price was just $65,000.

Parts of the country with low home values are often home to relatively large populations that are struggling financially, and the 19134 ZIP code is one of the poorest in the U.S. Nearly 40% of the population live below the poverty line, and 18.2% earn $10,000 or less a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

The 47374 ZIP code covers the city of Richmond in eastern Indiana along the Ohio border. There were 684 home sales in the area in 2020 and the median sales price was just $62,330.

Low home prices make the area one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the 47374 ZIP code is just 1.4 times higher than the median household income in the area of $44,085. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The 43211 postal code, which covers parts of Columbus, Ohio, is one of only 16 ZIP codes in the U.S. where most homes sold in 2020 went for less than $60,000. The median price of the nearly 600 housing units sold in the area last year was just $58,500.

Parts of the country with low home values are often home to relatively large populations that are struggling financially — and the 43211 ZIP code is one of the poorest places in the country. About 40% of local residents live below the poverty line, and 17.1% of households earn $10,000 or less a year. For context, 13.4% of the U.S. population live below the poverty line, and 6.0% of all American households earn less than $10,000 annually.

The 21215 ZIP code, which covers parts of northwestern Baltimore, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States. The median sales price of the 655 area homes that were bought and sold in 2020 was just $58,500 — which is only about 22% of the median home sales price nationwide.

Many parts of the country with low home values are in areas where demand for housing has not climbed much in recent decades and development has stalled. In Baltimore’s 21215 ZIP code, 84.2% of homes were built before the 1970s, compared to just 38.4% of homes nationwide. The area’s multi-year population decline has likely also contributed to lagging demand for housing.

The 47302 postal code covers parts of Muncie, Indiana, as well as some other towns south of the city. The median home sale price in the area in the last year was just $57,437. The area’s home prices are among the lowest likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area fell by 4.3%.

Low home prices make the area one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the 47302 ZIP code is just 1.5 times higher than the median household income in the area of $37,461. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The 38109 ZIP code, located along the Mississippi River in the southwest corner of Memphis, Tennessee, has some of the least expensive homes in the country. The median home sale price in the last year in the area was just $56,000 — about 21% of the national median.

Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford — and just as home values are low in the area, so are incomes. The typical household in the 38109 ZIP code earns just $31,114 a year compared to the national median income of $62,843. Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market to some degree. Over the last five years, an average of 15.7% of area workers were unemployed, more than double the comparable 5.3% national jobless rate.

The median home sale price in the 46218 postal code, which covers parts of Indianapolis, is just $53,000. The area’s home prices are among the country’s lowest likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area fell by 2.3%.

Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford — and just as home values are low in the area, so are incomes. The typical household in the 46218 ZIP code earns just $24,517 a year compared to the national median income of $62,843. Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market to some degree. Over the last five years, 16.4% of area workers were unemployed, more than triple the comparable 5.3% national unemployment rate.

Philadelphia’s 19140 ZIP code had some of the lowest home sale prices in the country in 2020. More than 600 area housing units sold in the area last year, and the median price was just $48,250 — less than one-fifth the national median home sale price in 2020.

Parts of the country with low home values are often home to relatively large populations that are struggling financially. In the 19140 ZIP code, 41% of the population lives below the poverty line, and 23.3% of households earn $10,000 or less a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6.0 of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

The 38127 ZIP code in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of several in the broader Memphis metro area to report some of the lowest-price home sale deals in the last year. A total of 871 area homes were bought and sold in 2020, and the median sale price was just $45,000.

Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford — and just as home values are low in the area, so are incomes. The typical household in the 38127 ZIP code earns just $29,798 a year, less than half the national median income of $62,843. Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market to some degree. Over the last five years, 11.0% of area workers were unemployed, more than double the comparable 5.3% national unemployment rate.

Detroit’s 48224 postal code is one of several in the broader metro area to report some of the lowest-price home sale deals in the last year. A total of 771 area homes were sold in 2020, and the median sale price was just $45,000. The area’s home prices are among the lowest likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 7.6%.

Many parts of the country with low home values are in areas where demand for housing has not climbed much in recent decades and development has stalled. In Detroit’s 48224 ZIP code, nearly 92% of homes were built before 1970, compared to just 38.4% of homes nationwide.

Some of the least expensive real estate being sold in the United States is in Baltimore’s 21213 ZIP code, located just northeast of the city’s Inner Harbor area. Of the nearly 600 area housing units sold last year, the median price was just $45,000 — less than one-fifth the national median home sale price in 2020.

Low home prices make the area one of the most affordable in the country. The typical home sale price in the area is just 1.1 times higher than the local median household income of $39,648. Nationwide, the median home sale price is 4.2 times higher than the median income of $62,843.

The 21216 ZIP code, located northwest of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area, has some of the least expensive and most affordable housing in the United States. The median home sale price in the area was just $45,000 last year, only 1.1 times higher than the local median household income area of $40,178. For context, the median home sale price nationwide is 4.2 times higher than the national median household income of $62,843.

Many parts of the country with low home values are in areas where demand for housing has not climbed much in recent decades and development has stalled. In Baltimore’s 21216 postal code, nine in every 10 homes were built before 1970, compared to just 38.4% of homes nationwide.

Detroit’s economic conditions have declined with the American manufacturing sector — and that decline is evident in its 48227 ZIP code. Located northwest of downtown Detroit, the 48227 ZIP code’s median home sale price in the last year was just $44,850, a fraction of the median nationwide.

Parts of the country with low home values are often home to relatively large populations that are struggling financially. In the 48227 ZIP code, more than one in every three residents live below the poverty line, and 22.5% of households earn $10,000 or less a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6.0% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

Some of the least expensive — and most affordable — real estate being sold in the United States is in St. Louis’ 63136 ZIP code, which covers a section of the northernmost part of the city. The median home sale price in the area was just $37,000 in the last year, only slightly higher than the local median household income area of $32,223. For context, the median home sale price nationwide is 4.2 times higher than the national median household income of $62,843.

The area’s home prices are among the lowest in the country likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 6.0%.

Baltimore’s 21217 ZIP code is one of only five postal codes nationwide with a sufficient sample size, where the most homes sold in 2020 went for less than $40,000. The median price of the 500 area housing units sold last year was just $35,000. The area’s home prices are among the lowest in the country likely due in part to reduced demand, precipitated by population decline. Over the last five years, the number of people living in the area contracted by 16.8%.

Housing prices can also be a reflection of what local residents can afford — and incomes are low in the 21217 postal code. Most area households earn less than $30,000 a year, and 35.4% of the population live below the poverty line. Nationwide, the typical household earns $62,843, and 13.4% of the population live in poverty.

The 48228 ZIP code, located in western Detroit, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States. The typical area home that sold in 2020 went for just $34,500.

Home values are often a reflection of what area residents can afford — and just as home values are low in the area, so are incomes. The typical household in the 48228 ZIP code earns just $27,337 a year compared to the national median income of $62,843. Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market to some degree. Over the last five years, 19.0% of area workers were unemployed, more than triple the comparable 5.3% national unemployment rate.

California’s 95969 ZIP code, located just east of Chico and encompassing the town of Paradise, has some of the least expensive homes in the United States. The typical area home sold for just $30,000 in 2020 — well below the local median household income of $51,625. For context, the median home sale price nationwide is 4.2 times higher than the national median household income of $62,843.

Low home values in the area are largely due to a devastating wildfire in November 2018. The fire spread over 240 square miles, destroyed nearly 14,000 homes, and killed 85 people. Before the wildfire, the typical home sale price in the area was $255,000.

The 21223 ZIP code in Baltimore, located just west of the city’s Inner Harbor area, has the least expensive housing of any postal code with a sufficient sample size in the United States. Of the 556 homes that were bought and sold in the area in 2020, most went for $26,000 or less — below the local median household income of $28,549. For context, the median home sale price nationwide is 4.2 times higher than the national median household income of $62,843.

Home values are often an indication of what area residents can afford — and serious financial hardship is relatively common in the area. About 37% of residents live below the poverty line, and one in every five households earn $10,000 or less a year. Nationwide, 13.4% of the population live below the poverty line, and 6% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

Both incomes and home values are also affected by the local job market to some degree. Over the last five years, 15.3% of area workers were unemployed, nearly three times the comparable 5.3% national jobless rate.