According to the California Association of Realtors nearly three fourths of Sonoma County’s households can’t afford to purchase a median-priced home here because they do not earn enough to meet the monthly mortgage payment of $3,500.

With a median household income of only around $71,769 the monthly mortgage payment required to purchase a median-priced home would occupy nearly 60 percent of one’s monthly income! Only households earning $138,760 or higher can afford the mortgage bill.

The prospect looks slightly better when you move out of the county. Statewide, 28 percent of households earned the $122,340 needed to buy a median-priced home at $564,270. Nationally, 54 percent of households made the $55,850 threshold to purchase a median-priced home at $257,600.

The good news is that there are a number of homes currently listed far below the median home price. From historic fixer-uppers to move-in ready ranches there are still a few homes available at more reasonable rates. A home priced at around $400,000 would be a safer bet for those earning  the median income. With 20% down, the monthly mortgage payment of $2,015 would occupy around 30% of the monthly income.

Click through our gallery above to explore some of the homes currently on the market for less than $450,000.

Staff writer Guy Kovner contributed to this report