A recent article in the Burlington Free Press highlights Vermont’s stagnating household incomes, raising concerns over the strength of its economy and the ability of its residents to afford housing.
Homeownership rate increases, but first-time buyers face barriers
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The annual report on housing from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHS) reveals that although homeownership rates are beginning to climb, young adults are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to buy their first home. The report found that from 1990 to 2016 the median home price rose 41 percent faster than overall inflation, outpacing wage growth during the same period. Homeownership rates among young adults today are lower than they were before the recession.
Rent unaffordable for many Vermont workers
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The latest edition of the annual report on rental housing affordability from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition has found that Vermont has one of the highest gaps in the nation between the cost of rent and renter wages. Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing reports that for a Vermont renter to be able to afford a modest two bedroom apartment, he or she would need to earn $22.40 per hour, well above the average renter wage.
National renter growth slows, but need for affordable housing remains
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The recent annual report on rental housing from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) has found that although the national demand for rental housing has decreased slightly overall, there is still significant need for housing affordable to low-income renters.