22.6 million
Households
A record 22.6 million renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing, making them housing cost-burdened.
The Housing Affordability Crisis
The Facts
Why It Matters
The Challenge
There is not a single city in the United States that can fill 100% of its low-income population's need for safe, affordable housing.
Did You Know?
America's Affordable Housing Crisis
7.1 million
Missing homes
Affordable rental homes are missing for America's lowest-income households. There are only 35 affordable homes available for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. ETWDC exists to help close that gap.
Source: NLIHC, The Gap (2025)
$33.63/hour
Housing wage
A full-time worker must earn $33.63 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in America without being cost-burdened.
Source: NLIHC, Out of Reach (2025)
More than half
Of wage earners
More than 50% of American wage earners cannot afford a modest one-bedroom apartment at fair market rent while working full-time.
Source: NLIHC, Out of Reach (2025)
Not just a rooftop
Safe, affordable housing isn't just shelter — it creates healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and more resilient local economies. This aligns with decades of housing and community development research and reinforces ETWDC's mission.
Go Deeper
Explore Resources ETWDC Data & Resources Center
A national housing snapshot, workforce and faith-based housing research, the major housing finance programs, and links to the reports behind the numbers.
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