A STRETCH
On $75,000/yr, the typical $262,563 home in Birmingham, AL needs $80,635/yr ($1,881/mo). Your gap: $-5,635 — housing would be 30.1% of your gross income.
The math
262,563 price − 10% down (26,256) = 236,307 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.95% on 236,307 = 1,564/mo principal+interest
+ 317/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
1,881/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 6,720/mo → 80,635/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-08 and the 6.95% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-09-17).
What salary WOULD clear Birmingham, AL?
You need about $80,635/yr for the typical home. That's $5,635 more than $75,000.