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 $72,000/year and a median home price of $490K, the price-to-income ratio is 6.8×. This is well above the traditional 4× guideline, indicating significant affordability pressure in Oregon.
DTI Thresholds Explained
| DTI Range | Lender View | Monthly Income at $72K/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Below 28% | Excellent — easily qualifies | Under $1,680/mo |
| 28–36% | Acceptable — qualifies with good credit | $1,680–$2,160/mo |
| 36–43% | Elevated — requires compensating factors | $2,160–$2,580/mo |
| Above 43% | High — most conventional loans denied | Over $2,580/mo |
Oregon vs. National Housing Affordability
| Metric | Oregon | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $490,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Household Income | $72,000 | $74,580 |
| Price-to-Income Ratio | 6.8× | 5.6× |
| Max Housing Budget (28%) | $1,680/mo | $1,740/mo |