Understanding DTI Ratios in Oregon
The debt-to-income ratio is the single most important metric lenders use to evaluate loan applications. It compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Two versions matter: the front-end ratio (housing costs only) and the back-end ratio (all monthly debt obligations).
In Oregon, with a median household income of $85,220/year and a median home price of $505K, the price-to-income ratio is 5.9ร. This is above the traditional 4ร guideline, putting moderate pressure on affordability in Oregon.
DTI Thresholds Explained
| DTI Range | Lender View | Monthly Income at $85K/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Below 28% | Excellent โ easily qualifies | Under $1,989/mo |
| 28โ36% | Acceptable โ qualifies with good credit | $1,989โ$2,557/mo |
| 36โ43% | Elevated โ requires compensating factors | $2,557โ$3,054/mo |
| Above 43% | High โ most conventional loans denied | Over $3,054/mo |
Oregon vs. National Housing Affordability
| Metric | Oregon | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $505,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Household Income | $85,220 | $74,580 |
| Price-to-Income Ratio | 5.9ร | 5.6ร |
| Max Housing Budget (28%) | $1,989/mo | $1,740/mo |