Renters in smaller metropolitan areas are struggling to deal with the realities of rising rent and stagnant wages. At least wages have increased in high-priced areas.
The county of Spokane in Washington exemplifies the regional challenge presented by skyrocketing rental prices.
According to an article by Amy Edelen, the county of Spokane's rental market is putting more and more strain on residents. In Spokane County, half of renters spend over 30 percent of their income on rent according to analysis of U.S. Census data by Apartment List.
By comparison, "Seattle’s share of cost-burdened renters is more than 47 percent – lower than Spokane County – but it’s because rent and incomes both increased rapidly," according to Edelen.
"For smaller metro areas such as Spokane, rents are rising while wages are remaining stagnant," adds Edelen. The article includes a lot more background on the challenges facing Spokane and other areas like it, as well as specifics from the local debate about how to improve the market for renters.
FULL STORY: Climbing rents in Spokane County a burden for many
Tight For-Sale Market Leads to Record Price Spikes in the Rental Market
A supply-demand imbalance in the for-sale housing market will eventually spill into the rental market.
Rents Falling, Vacancies Spiking: The NYC Rental Market Is Shifting
The rental market is triggering metrics not seen since the depths of the Great Recession, according to a new report on the state of the rental market in three New York City boroughs.
Housing Costs Rise for Philly's Poorest Residents, Fall for the Wealthy
Poor households in Philadelphia are spending nearly much on housing as wealthy residents. And while costs for the wealthy are going down, costs for the poor continue to rise.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie