Learn More: Affordable Housing
Metadata
Variable Definition:
Affordable Housing Units: The number of housing units designated for households below a certain threshold of the area median income as designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Households in these units pay no more than 30% of their incomes towards rent.
Source:
California Tax Credit Association Properties, Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Riverside County
Years Available:
2018
Geographic Unit:
Census Tract
Why is this Variable Important to Measure?
Affordable Housing Units
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
defines affordable housing as housing for which an occupant pays no more than
30% of their income on housing costs and utilities. There is no single list of
governmental-subsidized housing because there are many types of housing
assistance programs created across jurisdictions. Such programs are intended to
assist vulnerable populations, such as veterans, seniors, low-income, and people
with disabilities.
California’s high cost of housing impacts the health and
well-being of residents in rural and inner city communities. Issues with
overcrowding, homelessness, or housing instability will force people to cope
with temporary and unstable accommodations. Housing instability also increase
health care costs, decrease educational outcomes, and make it difficult for
businesses to attract and retain employees. Land use policies and planning can
help promote affordable housing development through the use of density bonuses,
inclusionary zoning, expedited development review and permitting, and adaptive
re-use, amongst others.
Sources:
California’s Housing
Future: Challenges and Opportunities (Statewide Housing Assessment 2025).
California Department of Housing and Community Development. Feb. 2018. http://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/plans-reports/docs/SHA_Final_Combined.pdf
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Office of Policy Development and Research. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/glossary/glossary_a.html.