Cost of Living in Clear Lake: What Salary Do You Need to Buy a Home?
Real numbers from this area's median sale price, property taxes, and household income — calculated at today's mortgage rate.
To buy a median-priced Clear Lake home (around $155,000) at today's 6.43% 30-year fixed rate with 20% down, you'd need roughly $27k/year in household income to qualify — an estimated monthly payment of $1,026 (principal, interest, property tax est., and insurance).
| Down payment | Monthly payment | Income needed |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | $1,026/mo | $27,362 |
| 10% (+PMI) | $1,181/mo | $31,505 |
| 5% (+PMI) | $1,233/mo | $32,888 |
Estimates use a 6.43% 30-year fixed rate (current Freddie Mac average), an aggressive ~45% housing-to-income ratio (roughly what FHA underwriting can allow for a buyer with no other monthly debts — your number depends on your debts and credit), this area's median sale price, plus estimated insurance and PMI below 20% down. Not an APR or a commitment to lend — your actual rate and payment will vary.
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