Texas Housing Market & Affordability 2026
Median home prices, homeownership rates, affordability trends, and housing policy in Texas for 2026.
$335,000
Median Home Price
Moderate
Affordability Rating
63%
Homeownership Rate
+1.5%
Year-over-Year Change
Housing Market Overview
Texas has permissive land use policy, with Houston the largest city in the nation with no zoning. Despite strong building activity, demand has driven prices up significantly. Property taxes are among the highest nationally, offsetting no state income tax. The market has cooled from peak levels but remains competitive.
Key Housing Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 |
| Year-over-Year Change | +1.5% |
| Affordability Rating | Moderate |
| Homeownership Rate | 63% |
| Renter Cost Burden | 32% |
| Housing Inventory | Moderate |
| Zoning Environment | Permissive (Houston has none) |
| Rent Control | Prohibited statewide |
| Property Tax Burden (Rank) | #45 nationally |
Political Context
Texas Republicans strongly oppose rent control and have preempted local housing regulations. Houston’s no-zoning approach is often cited as a supply-side model. However, high property taxes create ongoing affordability burdens. The Texas legislature has debated property tax relief mechanisms.