In California, 36% of homeowners and 48% of renters spend more than one third of their household income on housing. For the 32% of working renters who spend over half their income on housing, they’re forced every day to choose between other necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and medical care.

In order to afford the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment (an average of $1,354 per month) – without paying more than 30% of income on housing – a household must earn $4,514 monthly or $54,168 annually. That’s the equivalent of 3.3 minimum wage jobs!

Who is Being Left out of California’s Housing Market?

Job Category Median Income in California
Nursing Assistants

Security Guards

Janitors and Cleaners

Restaurant Cooks

Retail Salespersons

Home Health Aids

Cashiers

$27,900

$24,120

$23,590

$23,200

$22,000

$21,870

$20,540

Source: CHPC’s Housing Need Report.

Worst 10 California Counties by Shortfall of Homes Affordable and Available to Extremely Low-Income (ELI) Households

County Shortfall of Homes Affordable and Available to ELI Households Affordable and Available Homes per 100 ELI Renters
Los Angeles

San Diego

Orange

Alameda

Santa Clara

San Bernardino

Sacramento

San Francisco

Riverside

Fresno

376,735

79,795

70,125

44,560

39,465

36,375

36,040

35,855

31,875

23,810

19

18

18

27

26

18

21

37

20

20

Source: CHPC’s Housing Need Report.

You can read more on our Resources page.

Next learn about the benefits of affordable housing!