Salary to Buy a Home
What Salary Do You Need to Buy a Home in South Carolina? (2026)
To buy the median South Carolina home ($305,000) with 20% down at today's 6.52% rate, you need an annual income of $80,470 — $19,505 more than the typical household earns ($60,965). Your monthly PITI payment would be $1,878. With 10% down and PMI, you need $97,082/year and pay $2,265/month.
Income Required to Buy a Median South Carolina Home
At 6.52% (30-year fixed, Freddie Mac June 2026) using the 28% front-end DTI rule
20% Down — $61,000 down
$80,470
annual income required
10% Down — $30,500 down
$97,082
annual income required
Monthly Payment Breakdown — $305,000 Median Home
PITI = Principal + Interest + Taxes + Insurance. PMI added for 10%-down scenario.
| Component | 20% Down | 10% Down |
|---|---|---|
| Principal & Interest (20% down) | $1,546 | $1,739 |
| Property Tax (0.52%) | $132 | $132 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $200 | $200 |
| PMI (10% down only) | — | $194 |
| Total Monthly PITI | $1,878 | $2,265 |
| Annual income required (28% DTI) | $80,470 | $97,082 |
Rate: 6.52% 30-year fixed (Freddie Mac June 2026). Property tax: 0.52% effective rate. Insurance: $2,400/yr statewide average. PMI: 0.85% of loan annually.
South Carolina Affordability Gap
How far the median household income is from what's needed to buy the median home
Affordability gap
+$19,505
shortfall vs. income required
Gap %
+32%
Median households need 32% more income to clear the 28% DTI threshold
Price that fits the median income
$222,259
The most expensive home a typical South Carolina household can buy and stay within the 28% PITI rule — at $60,965/year income, 20% down, 6.52% rate. That's $82,741 below South Carolina's median home price.
Most & Least Affordable Counties in South Carolina
Home prices vary significantly by county — these counties anchor the affordability spectrum
Most affordable counties
- 1Allendale County
- 2Marion County
- 3Marlboro County
Least affordable counties
- 1Beaufort County
- 2Richland County
- 3Charleston County
County affordability reflects relative home price levels. Use the mortgage calculator for an exact income analysis at your target county price point.
Mortgage Calculator — South Carolina
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's $305,000 median home price at 6.52%
Mortgage Estimator
South Carolina rates pre-loaded
Monthly Payment
$1,999
estimated all-in payment (PITI)
Tax and insurance estimates use national averages. For South Carolina-specific numbers, see the full breakdown below.
Excludes HOA fees. Rates and costs are estimates; actual costs vary.
Full Calculator →How Much Home Can You Afford in South Carolina?
The income required figures above are for the median home. Enter your actual income to see what home price you qualify for.
Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Enter your income, debts, and down payment to find your maximum home price — pre-loaded for South Carolina
Open Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to buy a house in South Carolina?
- To buy South Carolina's median-priced home ($305,000) with 20% down at 6.52% (30-year fixed), you need $80,470/year. That keeps your monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) of $1,878 within the 28% front-end DTI guideline. With 10% down and PMI, the required income rises to $97,082/year with a $2,265/month payment. Source: NAR Q1 2026, Freddie Mac June 2026.
- Can the average South Carolina household afford a home?
- Not easily. The median South Carolina household earns $60,965/year, but qualifying for the median home requires $80,470 — an affordability gap of $19,505 (+32%). On the median income, the most you can spend and stay within the 28% guideline is $222,259.
- What home price can I afford on South Carolina's median income?
- At $60,965/year (South Carolina's median), your maximum monthly housing budget is $1,423 under the 28% DTI rule. Working backwards at 6.52% with 20% down, that supports a home price of $222,259 — $82,741 below the $305,000 median.
- What is the PITI payment on a median South Carolina home?
- On South Carolina's median home price of $305,000: with 20% down ($61,000 down), your PITI is $1,878/month. With 10% down ($30,500 down plus PMI), PITI rises to $2,265/month. PITI includes principal & interest at 6.52%, property tax at 0.52%, and homeowners insurance (PMI added for 10%-down scenario at 0.85% of loan annually). Source: Freddie Mac June 2026 / NAR Q1 2026.
- What is the 28% rule for buying a home?
- The 28% rule (HUD front-end DTI standard) says your monthly housing payment — principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) — should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. To qualify for South Carolina's median home at 20% down, your PITI would be $1,878/month. Divide by 0.28 to get the required monthly income ($6,706), then multiply by 12: $80,470/year. Lenders also check back-end DTI (all debts ≤ 43%), so existing debt reduces what you can borrow.
- Which South Carolina counties are most and least affordable?
- South Carolina's most affordable counties for homebuyers include Allendale County, Marion County, Marlboro County, where home prices are significantly below the state median. The least affordable are typically Beaufort County, Richland County, Charleston County, where prices far exceed the statewide average. County-level data is updated quarterly — use the mortgage calculator below for your specific target area.
Related Calculators
Mortgage Affordability Calculator
See what home price you can afford on your income in South Carolina
Mortgage Calculator
Full PITI payment on $305,000 at 6.52%
Property Tax Guide
South Carolina property tax at 0.52% — how it affects your payment
Home Insurance Costs
Average South Carolina homeowners insurance: $2,400/year
Mortgage Payments by Price
Full PITI for 8 home prices in South Carolina, from $200K to $750K