Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s mortgage status by monthly housing costs, several U.S. states show a significantly high number of households with mortgages. The data gives a clear picture of which areas have the largest populations managing the mortgage payments.
California
California has over 5.1 million households with mortgages, the highest in the country. Metro areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego contribute heavily to this count. Home prices in California are among the highest in the U.S, with an average of $787,508.
This pushes many buyers to rely on large loans to afford a home. While some areas offer high salaries, the high cost of housing often offsets income, making mortgage payments a major financial responsibility.
Texas
Texas follows with nearly 3.9 million mortgage-holding households. Rapid growth in cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas has led to increased housing demand. Although Texas homes are more affordable than in coastal states, with an average of 306,756, a fast-growing population has caused a rise in home-buying, and with it, mortgage debt. The state’s popularity adds pressure to its real estate market.
Florida
Florida has around 3.4 million mortgaged households, where the average house price is $386,556. Popular metros like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando have drawn both local and out-of-state buyers. Florida’s real estate market is influenced by retirees, remote workers, and investors.
Many are taking on mortgages for both primary residences and vacation homes, increasing the overall number of mortgage holders.
New York
New York reports more than 2.4 million homes with mortgages, with an average price of $796,665. While New York City’s high prices are a known factor, suburban areas like Long Island and parts of upstate also contribute significantly.
Many homeowners across the state have financed their properties due to limited housing supply and high demand, especially in areas close to transit and employment centers.
Pennsylvania
Over 2.1 million households in Pennsylvania carry mortgage debt. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two key markets, along with the surrounding suburbs. The state offers a wide range of home prices, with the average being $281,820, but the number of buyers financing their homes pushes the mortgage total upward. Many first-time buyers in suburban areas rely on loans to access homeownership.
Illinois
Illinois has just over 2 million mortgaged households with average home prices at $282,909. Chicago dominates the housing market here, but many suburbs and smaller towns contribute to the total as well. Property taxes are high in some regions, which makes mortgage planning important for long-term buyers. Even with relatively affordable prices, most buyers use financing to secure homes.
North Carolina
North Carolina reports close to 2 million households with mortgages, where the average price of a house is $337,813. Charlotte and Raleigh are booming urban centers, attracting families, young professionals, and tech workers. With rising demand, more people are financing homes to enter competitive markets. The state’s balance of affordability and opportunity draws steady migration, increasing mortgage activity.
Georgia
In Georgia, about 1.78 million households have mortgages with an average house price of $335,726. Atlanta is the state’s real estate hub, with a mix of new developments and older neighborhoods being revitalized. Mortgage use is high among young families and newcomers who are drawn by the city’s job market, education options, and cost of living compared to larger metros.
Michigan
Michigan shows 1.73 million households under mortgage. The Detroit metro area, along with cities like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, contributes to this number. Many buyers are using financing to purchase homes in neighborhoods that have seen recovery and new development. Affordable prices of homes, with the average being $260,040, and economic improvement have encouraged more mortgage-backed homeownership.
Ohio
Ohio reports around 1.73 million mortgage-holding households. Cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are the main contributors. The state’s housing market is stable, and while prices are reasonable, with the average being $234,156, most buyers still rely on mortgages. Ohio’s mix of urban and suburban housing helps maintain high homeownership, supported by financing.
Virginia
Virginia has more than 1.6 million households with mortgages, with average home prices at $409,382. Northern Virginia sees some of the highest real estate prices in the state. Other cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach also have growing housing markets. Many households, especially in commuter-friendly zones, use mortgages to secure homes in competitive areas.
Washington
Washington state reports nearly 1.3 million mortgaged households, where the average price of a house is $611,301. The Seattle metro area, with its tech-driven job market, plays a major role. Rising housing prices have made mortgages necessary for most buyers. Even in surrounding suburbs, financing is common as buyers seek access to jobs and lifestyle benefits.
