Across the United States, the rising cost of housing continues to put a strain on renters, particularly in states where population growth is rapid and the supply of rental homes is limited. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 1-Year Estimates shows that a significant portion of renter households are paying a substantial share of their income toward rent.
Nationwide Rent Pressure
Approximately 24% of U.S. renter households now spend more than half of their income on housing, a situation often referred to as being severely rent-burdened. States with booming populations, high demand, and limited rental availability show the highest percentages.
States With the Heaviest Rent Burdens
- Florida tops the list, with 30.1% of renters allocating over half their income to rent. Between 2019 and 2023, Florida saw rents climb nearly 40%, driven by population growth and constrained housing supply.
- Nevada follows at 28.0%, while California reports 27.5% of renters as severely burdened.
- Other states in the top 10 include New York (26.9%), Connecticut (26.2%), Hawaii (25.9%), Oregon (25.0%), Rhode Island (24.8%), New Jersey (24.8%), and Louisiana (24.8%).
Coastal states dominate this list, reflecting the pressure from high demand and limited rental housing in urban and popular areas.
Where Rent Is More Manageable
In contrast, parts of the Midwest and Great Plains see far less strain on renters.
- South Dakota: 15.3% of renter households severely burdened
- North Dakota: 15.7%
- Wyoming: 17.0%
Slower population growth and lower demand for rental housing help keep rental costs more manageable in these regions.
The Bigger Picture
Housing remains the single largest expense for U.S. renters. Those spending more than 30% of their income on housing are considered cost-burdened, which includes nearly half of all renter households nationwide. For those spending over 50%, rent becomes a severe financial strain, affecting roughly one in five households.
With rent and housing costs continuing to outpace wage growth, the affordability crisis remains a pressing challenge for millions of Americans. Policymakers and housing advocates continue to look for solutions to balance supply and demand and relieve the financial burden on renters across the country.
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