A short snapshot of what’s changing in the Denver housing market.
The income needed to afford a typical home in Denver rose sharply post-2020 and, despite recent easing, remains well above historical norms.
Source: Zillow / ResiClub analysis
Market Signal
In Denver, the income needed to afford a typical home has climbed to roughly $139,000 in 2026, up significantly from pre-2020 levels. While that number has come down slightly from the 2024–2025 peak, it still reflects how much affordability has shifted in just a few years.
Why It Matters
Home prices and rates moved faster than incomes—and that gap is what many buyers are feeling today. Even with some recent improvement, affordability is still the biggest factor shaping who can buy and when.
What to Watch
If rates ease or incomes continue to rise, affordability could improve—but likely gradually, not all at once.
Reader Question
Does today’s payment—or today’s price—feel like the bigger hurdle right now?
About the Brief
Mile High Housing Brief is a short monthly snapshot of what’s happening in the Denver housing market — and what it could mean for buyers and homeowners.
