Cost Burden: Households Paying More than 30% for Housing

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Housing cost burden reflects the percent of income paid for housing by each household living in the geographic area reported. Based on recent Census surveys, the number and percent of households paying more than 30% of their income for housing are reported for communities with populations of 20,000 or more. Although obviously related, housing cost burden is a distinctly different measure than the affordability indexes that are based on the typical housing cost and the median income.

The Housing Affordability Index and related affordability indexes measure affordability based on the ratio of median income to median housing cost. The indexes reflect the affordability of the average unit for the average household consumer. Even though the average unit might be affordable to the average household, this does not mean that individual households might not face significant problems with housing affordability. Conversely, while housing might be unaffordable based on a ratio of median income to median housing cost, this does not necessarily mean that half or more of the households have excessive housing cost burdens.

The housing cost burden measure provides the actual “affordability outcome” of the housing choices made by individual households. Clearly these choices are constrained by each household’s income and preferences, as well as by the housing available in the community. Even if there is a numerically adequate supply of housing affordable (at 30% or less of income) to each household at every income level, some households would occupy housing below this level and other households would have to occupy housing costing more than 30% of their income.

The housing cost burden measure reflects the preferences, budgets, and housing units available to each individual household, as well as any public or private housing assistance they receive. Some households might obtain lower-cost housing by doubling-up with relatives or accepting crowded living conditions, while other households might accept higher cost burdens to obtain larger units or more desirable locations.

Housing Cost Burden by Year

This chart shows both the number and percent of households with housing cost burden by year. A household is considered cost burdened if paying more than 30% of their household income for housing. This housing affordability measure reflects affordability at the individual household level as it is based on the housing costs and income of an individual household.

What percentage of households are paying more than 30% of their income for housing and how has that changed over time?

Cost Burden: Housing costs more than 30% of reported household income.
Note: Numbers are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability.
Sources: U.S. Census, American Community Survey and Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research.

Housing Cost Burden by Income

This chart shows for the most current year both the number and percent of households with housing cost burden by household income categories. A household is considered cost burdened if paying more than 30% of their household income for housing. This housing affordability measure reflects affordability at the individual household level as it is based on the housing costs and income of an individual household.

What percentage of households are paying more than 30% of their income for housing by income and tenure?

*Cost Burden: Housing costs more than 30% of reported household income.
Note: Numbers are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability.
Sources: U.S. Census, American Community Survey and Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research.

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