Mapping the Affordable Housing Crisis
Using census data from 2022, we analyze the growing gap between median income and median rent across 50 major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).
Rent-to-Income Ratio (Top 4 Most Burdened Cities)
| City (MSA) | Median Income | Median Rent (Annualized) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL | $60,900 | $28,200 | 46.3% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $77,400 | $31,500 | 40.7% |
| New York, NY | $82,200 | $32,400 | 39.4% |
| San Diego, CA | $89,400 | $33,600 | 37.5% |
Explore: REITs, Zoning reform, Housing starts, Global housing bubbles, Proptech, Climate migration, Health outcomes, School funding, Corporate landlords, Build more housing, Van life trend, Stadium gentrification, Urban planners, Mortgage rates tracker, Construction costs, Rent control, Algorithmic pricing, Social housing, Urban heat islands, Eviction rates, and Our methodology.
Common Mistakes with Income Data
- Using Mean vs. Median: Averages are skewed by high earners. Medians accurately reflect the typical household.
Data FAQ
What is considered "rent burdened"?
The HUD standard defines a household as rent-burdened if they spend more than 30% of their gross income on housing costs.
Next Step: Calculate your own rent burden ratio.