A STRETCH
On $75,000/yr, the typical $263,726 home in Birmingham, AL needs $79,229/yr ($1,849/mo). Your gap: $-4,229 — housing would be 29.6% of your gross income.
The math
263,726 price − 10% down (26,373) = 237,353 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.69% on 237,353 = 1,530/mo principal+interest
+ 319/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
1,849/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 6,602/mo → 79,229/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-06 and the 6.69% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-08-06).
What salary WOULD clear Birmingham, AL?
You need about $79,229/yr for the typical home. That's $4,229 more than $75,000.