Income Needed to Buy Your First Home in Jacksonvil…


It’s less than Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

Jacksonville, FL, is known for its 80,000 acres of parks, miles of beaches, and delicious cuisine. In addition to being a coastal respite, Jacksonville is also home to a fairly competitive real estate market that’s seen moderate growth in recent years. 

For many, buying a home in Jacksonville is a dream come true, but it’s also important to know how it will impact your finances. From down payments to monthly mortgage payments, there’s a lot to understand before buying your first home 

So whether you already live in Florida’s capital or are looking to relocate to the area, here’s a breakdown of the income you’ll need to purchase your first home in Jacksonville.

Check out our original report for a detailed nationwide analysis.

How much income do you need to buy a starter home in Jacksonville?

The median sale price of a starter home in Jacksonville is $239,500. In order to afford this, first-time homebuyers in Jacksonville should make $77,040 per year, up 9.9% from 2023. Also, the median income in Jacksonville is $83,778, meaning the typical resident can afford a starter home.

As expected, starter homes in Jacksonville are more affordable than the average home (all price brackets combined; see methodology for details). In order to afford any median-priced home in the area, you’ll need to make $99,549 (as of October 2023). 

Nationwide, you need an income of $75,849 to afford a typical starter home, which costs an average of $240,000. The average U.S. household earns an estimated $84,072.

First-time homebuyers’ guide to the Jacksonville housing market

Jacksonville’s housing market has experienced steady growth following the pandemic. While not as popular of a migration destination as neighbors Miami and Tampa, the area has still seen an inflow of homebuyers from around the country. The city’s population rose by 5% from 2019 to 2021 and is nearing the 1 million mark.

This growth has lifted…