United States affordable housing units sit vacant amid extreme shortage

Extremely low-income renters in the United States are facing acute housing shortages, even as many units designated as affordable remain vacant. A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition indicates there are only approximately 4 million affordable rental units available to serve 11 million extremely low-income renter households.

These households consist of individuals earning below federal poverty guidelines or 30% of their area’s median income. Many in this demographic include seniors, people with disabilities, and low-wage workers. Currently, about three-quarters of these extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on rent and utilities.

A significant gap exists in housing availability because much of the low-income housing financed in recent years is targeted at those earning at least 50% of an area’s median income. As rents for these units approach market rates, vacancies are increasing in some cities, leaving the poorest citizens unable to access the housing intended for them and increasing the risk of homelessness.