Quick answer
By best balance of price, income, growth and safety, the top five are Texas (2.8×), Pennsylvania (2.5×), Indiana (2.8×), Oklahoma (2.8×), Iowa (2.9×). Rankings use the Smart Movers Club app's top-scoring places in each state; verify the specific city and county before you decide.
| # | State | Home value ÷ income | Home value | Rent | Growth | Places to research |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 2.8× | $355,250 | $1,877 | +6.6% | Celina, Sienna, Pecan Grove |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | 2.5× | $229,250 | $1,207 | +0.6% | Murrysville, Plum, King of Prussia |
| 3 | Indiana | 2.8× | $312,150 | $1,347 | +1.9% | Brownsburg, Fishers, St. John |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 2.8× | $228,550 | $1,242 | +2.0% | Yukon, Jenks, Bixby |
| 5 | Iowa | 2.9× | $297,800 | $1,185 | +1.2% | Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale |
| 6 | Ohio | 2.9× | $323,450 | $1,473 | +1.3% | Hudson, Hilliard, Pickerington |
| 7 | Illinois | 2.9× | $367,750 | $1,592 | +0.4% | Bloomington, Plainfield, South Elgin |
| 8 | Minnesota | 3.1× | $387,100 | $1,670 | +1.6% | Otsego, Lakeville, Prior Lake |
| 9 | South Carolina | 3.2× | $269,350 | $1,381 | +2.2% | Fort Mill, Greer, Bluffton |
| 10 | Nebraska | 3.1× | $214,600 | $964 | +0.2% | Bellevue, Papillion, Columbus |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Verify school assignment by address with the district — never by ZIP.
- 2Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 3Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 4Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 5Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 6Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Best States for Public Schools AND Affordable Housing
By best balance of price, income, growth and safety, the top five are Texas (2.8×), Pennsylvania (2.5×), Indiana (2.8×), Oklahoma (2.8×), Iowa (2.9×). Rankings use the Smart Movers Club app's top-scoring places in each state; verify the specific city and county before you decide.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
