NLIHC Out Of Reach Report: National Trends - Housing and Wage Inequalities

On a national level, the 2023 Out of Reach Report shows that the gap between how much people earn and how much they have to pay for housing is biggest for people of color, especially women of color. Why is that? Well, it's because of a history of unfair housing policies that have made it harder for people of color to find decent and affordable homes.

Let's break it down with some numbers: Black, Latino, and Native American workers are often stuck in jobs that don't pay as much as jobs held by White workers. Even when they have the same jobs, People of Color still get paid less than their White peers. For instance: nationally, the median wage of a full-time White worker is about $2.23 per hour higher than what's needed for a one-bedroom apartment. But for a full-time Black worker, they make 73 cents/hour less than what would be needed for that one-bedroom apartment. And for a Latino worker in the same role, they make about $1.84 less. The disparities grow more pronounced for women of color: Black and Latina female workers earn median wages that are $3.96 and $5.47 less, respectively, than what would be needed to afford one-bedroom housing. 

The impact of these disparities is huge. People of Color are more likely to be renters, and when housing costs go up, they feel the pinch the most. For example, extremely low-income renters make up about 19% of Black households, 17% of American Indian or Alaska Native households, and 14% of Latino households, while only 6% of White households are in the same boat.

During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, it's clear we need to step up to create a more equal and fair society, where everyone, regardless of their background or skin color, can find a safe and affordable place to call home. One of our Lived Experience Advisory Board members shared, “I have something meaningful to offer.” Make a donation today to help us advance racial and economic equity in our community.