Border Crisis Adds to Housing Woes: Half of U.S. Renters Struggling

A recent study revealed that, as of 2022, half of renters in the United States grapple with housing affordability issues, exacerbated by a shortage aggravated, in part, by the ongoing border crisis under the Biden administration. 

Despite the study’s data being from 2022, there has been little change in economic conditions or available housing. Notably, rents have risen significantly, contributing to the housing challenge.

According to a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, a record 50% of U.S. renters in 2022 allocated a substantial portion of their income toward rent and utilities, with nearly half of them experiencing severe cost burdens by paying over 50% of their income. 

Whitney Airgood-Obrycki, a senior research associate with the center and the lead author of the report, remarked, “We actually saw increases across every single income category that we look at, which sort of surprised us.”

The report identified a considerable jump in unaffordability since 2019, particularly for households earning $30,000 to $74,999 annually. Even among those working full-time, a third of all renters in this income bracket were burdened by housing costs. The core issue lies in the simple arithmetic of insufficient housing supply.

In addressing the housing crisis, it is emphasized that America requires both an increase in housing availability and a secure border, especially in light of the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing border situation, to effectively address and alleviate the challenges faced by renters across the nation.