Issue Brief: Rental Housing in Rhode Island

Published on February 8, 2012

HousingWorks RI released today its latest Issue Brief, which examines the persistent need for long-term affordable rental homes in Rhode Island. Rhode Island has a higher percentage of renters than any other state in New England – with close to 40 percent of our residents renting their homes. Yet 1 in 4 of those renters is extremely cost burdened – spending 50% or more of their income on housing related expenses. Public investment in long-term affordable rental housing is necessary to ensure that Rhode Islanders, regardless of income, can live in safe, affordable apartments in thriving communities. There is a diversity of circumstances represented in the renter population - young people starting out their professional lives, families and individuals in low wage occupations, formerly homeless individuals and families who are in permanent supportive housing, the elderly, and veterans. The Issue Brief relies heavily on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Rhode Island Housing's Rent Survey and data analysis from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. It also marks the first time HousingWorks RI has used an infographic (below) to illustrate the state's data.

The full report is available for download. If you would like a hard copy, please contact Wendi at 401.274.4564 x4177.