After dropping to a three-year low, U.S. rent costs grew in many major cities.
Average U.S. rents rose between December and January after six months of decreases, driven in part by strong demand and low supply in some cities.
According to an article by Mary Salmonsen in Smart Cities Dive, “Metros in the Northwest and Midwest are still leading the nation in rent growth, and New York City remains at the top with 5.4% growth YOY. Austin still had the sharpest YOY rent decline at -5.4%, followed by Raleigh at -3.5%.” National rents recently hit a three-year low, but remain unaffordable for many households. Austin, which bucks the trend, has seen a decline in rent costs for 19 straight months, thanks in part to the city’s recent zoning reform efforts that encouraged a building boom.
Salmonsen adds, “High mortgage rates and a low supply of for-sale homes on the market are also contributing to apartment retention rates. However, these same high interest rates may continue to pose challenges for property transactions in the next year.”
FULL STORY: After 6 months of decline, average rents rise again
Where Are Rents Growing Fastest?
The Washington, D.C. region saw the nation’s fastest rent growth in the last year.
California’s New Housing Laws: What You Need to Know
The state legislature passed dozens of new laws aimed at improving housing affordability and streamlining the development process to meet rising demand.
Housing Top of Mind for Nevada Voters
The Silver State is the nation’s most unaffordable housing market for extremely low-income households.
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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie