It’s no secret that home price gains in Dallas-Fort Worth are dramatically outpacing income growth. 

According to the Dallas Morning News, 2017 home prices have jumped 9 percent from a year ago, but the rate of income just shows an anemic 2.5 percent increase. 

While home prices have fallen below double-digit gains this year, Dallas-Fort Worth still has the nation’s fourth-largest increase. And over the past four years, prices in the local market have soared beyond 40 percent.

Based on a new report from HSH.com, prospective homebuyers need a household annual income exceeding $59,500 to qualify for a $249,000 median-priced home in Dallas-Fort Worth, while buyers on the national level need yearly earnings of $55,390 to qualify for a mid-priced house.

By rolling the customary 20 percent down payment into the deal, the estimated monthly mortgage payment on a $249,000 home in D-FW is $1,388. 

To keep pace with rising home prices, HSH.com analysts warn that year-over-year income gains need to surpass 10 percent in about one-third of all U.S. metros and more than 9 percent in nine other metro areas.

Though lower mortgage interest rates in recent years have helped soften the affordability factor, the market has no guarantees rates will remain low going forward.