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.
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Next learn about the benefits of affordable housing!