WORCESTER – A new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows housing for renters in Worcester is unaffordable.
According to the Annual 2022 Out of Reach Report, 37% of the Worcester’s residents (77,964) are renters. The report shows a side-by-side comparison of wages and rent for Worcester and the amount of money a household must earn to afford a rental unit.
According to the NLIHC report, the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Worcester is $1,491 per month. The minimum wage is $14.25 per hour, meaning a minimum wage earner would have to work 80 hours per week, every week of the year, to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
The median annual income for households in Worcester is $44,826. Based on the median average income, the affordable rent for a full-time worker for a two-bedroom apartment in Worcester would be $1,121 per month, according to NLIHC. That’s $370 less than the fair market rent.
To afford the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, a household would have to earn $59,640.
According to the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance. the lack of affordable units statewide for low income earners have left renters struggling to make ends meet, particularly renters in Black, Indigenous People of Color and low-wealth communities. CMHA describes it as a “severe housing crisis.”
“We know we need a multi-pronged approach to addressing this growing crisis,” said Leah Bradley, CMHA’s executive director.
While the CMHA applauds the City of Worcester’s efforts in its multifamily units rehabilitation programs, addressing deferred maintenance costs for low-income landlords and creating the Affordable Housing Trust Fund using ARPA funds, they say it’s not enough.
“It will take both keeping renters stably housed through rental assistance and tenant protection legislation, and increasing affordable housing units through production and other means for those at the lowest income who are at risk of or experiencing displacement and homelessness,” Bradley said.
To see the NLIHC report, click here.
Lead image: 930 Main St. in Worcester
