According to a recent study of income and home prices across the country, the average American needs to make just over $51,000 per year to afford to purchase a median-priced home in his or her area.  That calculation is based on the a 20% required down payment and a 28% debt-to-income ratio.  As a side note, I do loans with $0 down and DTI to 55% almost every single day.  You are welcome America.