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Celerity

(42,627 posts)
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 07:17 AM Jun 2019

This Map Shows the Hourly Wage Needed to Rent a 2-Bedroom Home in Every State

Last edited Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:07 AM - Edit history (2)

https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/hourly-wages-to-afford-two-bedroom-rent-mapped

Unless you've lucked out with a dream subsidized housing scenario or managed to scoop up a beautiful home for $1, you're probably less-than-stoked at the size of the rent check you have to cut every month. That's especially true if you live in a market where real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, the harsh reality is that there's not a single state, county, or city in America where a full-time worker earning minimum wage can afford to rent a two-bedroom home, according to bleak statistics revealed in a new housing report.

The gloomy new report comes courtesy of the folks at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which has been analyzing the growing gap between renters' earnings and monthly rent costs for the last 30 years. This year's troubling study reveals the gap has grown even further and that there's not a single place in America where a person working full-time on a minimum wage income can afford to rent a modest two-bedroom home without spending more than 30% of their earnings on housing costs (when you pay 30% or more you qualify as a "housing cost-burdened" renter).

To make the glut of intel a bit easier to understand, the NLICH also distilled the report into a nifty interactive map, which shows the hourly wage one must earn in each state in order to afford the "fair market" rent on a two-bedroom home there ("fair market" is defined as what a family can expect to pay for a modestly priced rental in a particular area in 2019). The map also reveals how many hours of work at the minimum wage are required to afford a two-bedroom without spending 30% or more of your income on it, as well as where each state ranks in relation to others.



Topping the list as the most expensive state for renters right now is Hawaii, where you need to earn $36.82 an hour -- or nearly $77,000 per year -- to afford renting a two-bedroom. That's compared to the least expensive state, Arkansas, where you'd need to earn $14.26 an hour (or roughly $30,000 annually) to afford the same thing. Keep in mind that while minimum wages do differ from state to state, federally it is just $7.25 an hour.

snip

On edit, as multiple people are claiming this is flawed because it doesn't break it down by county and metro area, here again (I sat again as I had already placed the link in the OP article), is the interactive map that does break it further down to a more granular levels (including individual counties/areas and different flat sizes as well)


https://reports.nlihc.org/oor

45 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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This Map Shows the Hourly Wage Needed to Rent a 2-Bedroom Home in Every State (Original Post) Celerity Jun 2019 OP
Wish they had done this 2naSalit Jun 2019 #1
they did, click on the interactive map link, you can go to specific areas Celerity Jun 2019 #2
Didn't notice that feature... 2naSalit Jun 2019 #3
Lol, so oki, I know all about lack of coffee! Celerity Jun 2019 #6
It's early here...nt 2naSalit Jun 2019 #8
2 bedrooms work for most singles, but SoCalDem Jun 2019 #4
The interactive map shows the costs of other flat sizes as well Celerity Jun 2019 #5
"2 bedrooms work for most singles" Polybius Jun 2019 #22
I was not very clear.. SoCalDem Jun 2019 #45
It appears that they got some of it right... 2naSalit Jun 2019 #7
they show all counties and multiple metro areas, just use the drop down box Celerity Jun 2019 #11
I don't think the data is accurate Kaleva Jun 2019 #9
It's accurate for my county. Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #17
Do you have examples showing the data is accurate? Kaleva Jun 2019 #18
Nope. Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #19
What county and state do you live in? Kaleva Jun 2019 #21
I've lived recently in Grant County and Bernalillo county both in New Mexico. Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #23
Not saying you are wrong or trying to prove you wrong. Kaleva Jun 2019 #29
Yeah I think it's hard for a study like this to be completely accurate. Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #30
Why is just one wage counted? former9thward Jun 2019 #10
'If you are renting a two bedroom place there is going to be at least two people making a wage.' Celerity Jun 2019 #12
And there is no child support? former9thward Jun 2019 #14
they are just laying out the raw data, each individual situation can then be applied Celerity Jun 2019 #15
A single parent will have SNAP, Earned Income Credit, housing assistance, Medicare,... Kaleva Jun 2019 #20
and that's all true, but is also beyond the simple rent pricing numbers (and the data is not limited Celerity Jun 2019 #25
I can't speak for the rest of the programs but I get SNAP Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #26
That's all I got for SNAP. Being single with no dependents. Kaleva Jun 2019 #32
Yeah, I generally use it for milk, cheese, and eggs Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #37
Yes, I'm on SSDI and also get a small monthly VA pension Kaleva Jun 2019 #39
And 110 f ain't uncomfortable, either... LanternWaste Jun 2019 #43
This is meaningless... brooklynite Jun 2019 #13
as I have shown already, the interactive map breaks it down to individual counties, and metro areas Celerity Jun 2019 #16
Thank you for explaining that and for this information. Princetonian Jun 2019 #24
the interactive map shows the costs for other sizes of flats too Celerity Jun 2019 #31
Sorry for getting into a side conversation. Turin_C3PO Jun 2019 #38
oh, it's oki, I am just a bit cranky this afternoon I guess (PMS time, yay!.. NOT) lololol Celerity Jun 2019 #40
Yes, thank you very much. I'm surprised at the issues that people are raising w/ you. ... SWBTATTReg Jun 2019 #41
Yes, I realized that. It is an excellent resource. Princetonian Jun 2019 #44
Again, always area dependent with in a state beachbum bob Jun 2019 #27
the interactive map allows you to pick a specific area of each state Celerity Jun 2019 #35
$46.15 an hour where I live, $52.50 where I work More_Cowbell Jun 2019 #28
This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Jun 2019 #33
Thanks for the data references, Celerity KY_EnviroGuy Jun 2019 #34
yw Celerity Jun 2019 #36
Paying labor well below the cost of living is why interest rates are so low which also means.... Yavin4 Jun 2019 #42

2naSalit

(86,031 posts)
1. Wish they had done this
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 07:47 AM
Jun 2019

in a little different setting instead of whole state. I live in a state where rent is cheap in many areas as long as they are more than a hundred miles from anywhere. We have more than one major National Parks and anything within 100 miles of one, or other places of tourist interest, it would require an income far greater than indicated here to rent a chicken coop with a door on it.

SoCalDem

(103,856 posts)
4. 2 bedrooms work for most singles, but
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 07:55 AM
Jun 2019

Last edited Mon Jun 24, 2019, 05:22 PM - Edit history (1)

Singles can opt for a roommate and lower costs

if you are a couple it almost mandates that both must work, and of course adds costs due to childcare, an extra vehicle etc etc..
and unless you have same-sex kids, a 2 bedroom does not work for many couples..

More and more people see every penny of earnings going to pay for a roof over their heads, child care, and vehicle expenses. Nothing left over for much of an actual life

There are probably more 2 BR than 1BR, so costs may be lower with a roommate than a 1 BR

SoCalDem

(103,856 posts)
45. I was not very clear..
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 05:20 PM
Jun 2019

With a roommate for the 2nd bedroom and shares for utilities, it's more economical

2naSalit

(86,031 posts)
7. It appears that they got some of it right...
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:08 AM
Jun 2019

but I would argue that it's far worse than indicated in this study. They chose Beaverhead County as their sample, not exactly balanced. I realize they coldn't go to places to examine the stats on the ground but some kind of inquiry of that sort would be needed to show just what is happening. It seems that the money makers are getting better at concealing the march to serfdom for the rest of us. But I'm not all that surprised when considering where the funding for this study originated.

It shows just enough to indicate that there is a potential problem but fails to show that there really is a major problem in this area of our economy.

Kaleva

(36,145 posts)
9. I don't think the data is accurate
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:14 AM
Jun 2019

I looked at my state and county and the site said the fair market rent for a 2 BR apartment is $700. I thought that was high so I looked up some. Here is one 2 BR that rents for $493:

https://www.apartments.com/721-w-maple-mcmillan-township-mi/m5mbg2h/

My oldest stepson, who lives in another county 20 miles outside the biggest town in Upper Michigan, rents a 3 BR home with an attached garage for $500 a month plus utilities

Turin_C3PO

(13,649 posts)
19. Nope.
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:37 AM
Jun 2019

Just that looking at the places I’ve lived in the past, the numbers seem to be fairly on point. I have no proof, just observation.

Turin_C3PO

(13,649 posts)
23. I've lived recently in Grant County and Bernalillo county both in New Mexico.
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:50 AM
Jun 2019

I’m just saying those numbers look about right to me, on average. I’m sure you can find examples of cheaper places.

Kaleva

(36,145 posts)
29. Not saying you are wrong or trying to prove you wrong.
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:58 AM
Jun 2019

You could very well be correct. I find the site interesting and would like to see if the data is more or less accurate.

Turin_C3PO

(13,649 posts)
30. Yeah I think it's hard for a study like this to be completely accurate.
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 10:00 AM
Jun 2019

Rents vary from unit to unit, even within the same neighborhood sometimes. It is interesting though.

former9thward

(31,798 posts)
10. Why is just one wage counted?
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:18 AM
Jun 2019

If you are renting a two bedroom place there is going to be at least two people making a wage. This makes as much sense as determining what wage is needed to rent a 10 room mansion.

Celerity

(42,627 posts)
12. 'If you are renting a two bedroom place there is going to be at least two people making a wage.'
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:22 AM
Jun 2019

Single parent with non-adult children

former9thward

(31,798 posts)
14. And there is no child support?
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:35 AM
Jun 2019

I sure you can find "exceptions to the rule" for anything but that does not invalidate the rule.

Celerity

(42,627 posts)
15. they are just laying out the raw data, each individual situation can then be applied
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:49 AM
Jun 2019

There are hundreds (thousands?) of individual variables that go into the composition of every person's life situation. It would beyond all realistic scope of the charts to account for every possibility.

Kaleva

(36,145 posts)
20. A single parent will have SNAP, Earned Income Credit, housing assistance, Medicare,...
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:40 AM
Jun 2019

possibly child support, WIC if the children are young enough and other sources which would make their gross income higher then just minimum wage.

Celerity

(42,627 posts)
25. and that's all true, but is also beyond the simple rent pricing numbers (and the data is not limited
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:51 AM
Jun 2019

to only 2BRMs, the interactive map includes different flat size rents as well).

This was never presented as a complete, multivariate breakdown of comprehensive life-costs for people in every possible situation. It just shows the cost of rent vis-a-vis 30% of income.

I used a single-parent as but ONE example to show where a 2BRM would possibly be rented by a sole income earner.

Turin_C3PO

(13,649 posts)
26. I can't speak for the rest of the programs but I get SNAP
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:52 AM
Jun 2019

and it’s not that great. I get $15 a month, making $971 on SSDI. Not that I’m not grateful for the help I get, just saying it’s not a lot.

Turin_C3PO

(13,649 posts)
37. Yeah, I generally use it for milk, cheese, and eggs
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 10:13 AM
Jun 2019

when I’m out of money at the end of the month. I remember from seeing one of your previous posts that you’re on SSDI also? You don’t have to answer that question.

Kaleva

(36,145 posts)
39. Yes, I'm on SSDI and also get a small monthly VA pension
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 10:19 AM
Jun 2019

$1194 for SSDI and $140 from the VA. My home is paid for so I don't have to pay rent or a mortgage.

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
43. And 110 f ain't uncomfortable, either...
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 11:20 AM
Jun 2019

And 110 f ain't uncomfortable, either...

Quite the series of imaginative allegations you've been creating recently. Hope it's not the heat.

brooklynite

(93,834 posts)
13. This is meaningless...
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:25 AM
Jun 2019

One price point in NY, TX, CA? The minimum rents you're trying to cover are going to be all over the place.

Celerity

(42,627 posts)
16. as I have shown already, the interactive map breaks it down to individual counties, and metro areas
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 08:51 AM
Jun 2019
https://reports.nlihc.org/oor

It is why I posted the article with hyperlinks.
 

Princetonian

(1,501 posts)
24. Thank you for explaining that and for this information.
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:51 AM
Jun 2019

It is important that we all share this to those we know to spread the knowledge that a living wage is important. Though some may question whether all deserve a two-bedroom apartment, I hope we can agree that working families need to be able to live near where they work and afford other necessities.

Celerity

(42,627 posts)
31. the interactive map shows the costs for other sizes of flats too
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 10:00 AM
Jun 2019

I am at the point where I wish I had never posted this at all, as it is going into all sorts of tangential directions that are exact situation-specific (and thus beyond the scope of a simple dataset of rent vis-a-vis wages needed to maintain the 30% max of income threshold.)

I already edited the OP to re-emphasise the interactive map that breaks the data down to county and metro area level.

Turin_C3PO

(13,649 posts)
38. Sorry for getting into a side conversation.
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 10:14 AM
Jun 2019

But I’m glad you posted this, it’s very interesting and shows the need for higher wages or lower rent or, most likely, both.

SWBTATTReg

(21,856 posts)
41. Yes, thank you very much. I'm surprised at the issues that people are raising w/ you. ...
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 11:06 AM
Jun 2019

I guess with some people, nothing is detailed enough or fine tuned enough to answer their questions / issues. Especially on a forum like this and especially in dealing w/ real estate (rentals in particular) for the entire country no less. Again, thanks so much for posting this...I found very informative and very helpful...

More_Cowbell

(2,190 posts)
28. $46.15 an hour where I live, $52.50 where I work
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 09:57 AM
Jun 2019

In Northern California. Crazy.

Needless to say, I don't make that much *or* rent a 2-bedroom (I rent a 1-bedroom that's a "reasonable" $1643 per month because I've been here for almost 9 years).

Response to Celerity (Original post)

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,483 posts)
34. Thanks for the data references, Celerity
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 10:03 AM
Jun 2019

Bookmarked and noted. No damn wonder so many young adults have to live with their parents, even in rural Kentucky.

Interactive map is very handy, although some of the terminology is a bit dense.

KY_EG.....

Yavin4

(35,354 posts)
42. Paying labor well below the cost of living is why interest rates are so low which also means....
Mon Jun 24, 2019, 11:14 AM
Jun 2019

that the 1% get even richer.

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