An annual report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) reveals that a growing number of American households face housing insecurity and spiking costs of living.
Ahmad Abu-Khalaf reports on the latest The State of the Nation’s Housing report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), which paints a grim picture of the U.S. housing market, particularly for renters and communities of color. “JCHS’ data show that in 2020, the nationwide share of cost-burdened households (those paying over 30 percent of their income for housing) rose 1.5 percentage points to nearly 30%; renters at all income levels are feeling the pinch, though Black households are disproportionately impacted.” In the first quarter of this year, rents rose by as much as 20 percent in some cities.
The report also highlights the rise in utility costs and the “historically low” availability of housing units, which put low-income households struggling to pay rent at even higher risk of eviction and displacement. The crisis is affecting greater numbers of middle-income earners, too: According to the report, “households earning between $30,000 and $45,000 saw the largest increase (4.2%) in the number of cost-burdened households.” Meanwhile, “The surge in the prices of gas, food, and other necessities has made matters worse, especially now that most emergency government supports have ended. The housing stock itself is in dire need of investment to meet the demands of a rapidly aging population and the threats posed by climate change.” The report recommends enhanced and continued federal rental assistance as one step to easing the crisis.
Other key findings:
- While homebuying accelerated, first-time buyers faced more obstacles, particularly after the hike in interest rates in the early part of 2022.
- Climate-induced disasters pose a growing risk to the stability of the housing market.
- Upgrades to existing housing stock are urgently needed to preserve older housing, meet accessibility needs, and improve energy efficiency.
The JCHS website includes the full report with many more insights, interactive maps, and detailed data sources. Read past Planetizen coverage of the report here.
FULL STORY: Four Key Findings From 2022 State of the Nation's Housing Report
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis
SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.
Indian States Give Women Free Bus Passes
The programs are part of an initiative aimed at helping more women join the workforce and improving access to basic needs.
Study: How to Revitalize Downtown Minneapolis
A proposal calls for a reevaluation of the city’s skyways, a focus on street-facing businesses, and an improved public realm.
Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion
Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.