The Annie E. Casey Foundation
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Pennsylvania

Statistics on children, youth and families in Pennsylvania from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

Change Indicator

High Housing Burden - Percent of households in Pennsylvania

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Why This Indicator Matters

Housing cost burden is defined as households spending more than 30% of their income on housing and is a growing concern across the United States. [1] The number of cost-burdened homes has risen significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, effecting both homeowners and renters alike.[2] The impact of high housing costs on families is profound, as it limits the ability to afford essentials related to nutrition, education, transportation, child care, and healthcare.[3] High housing cost burned can be especially harmful for children by reducing parent’s ability to spend money on books, enrichment activities, and other educational materials that are crucial for development.[4] This has been found to lead to various negative outcomes, including poorer health and academic performance.[5] Addressing housing affordability is therefore crucial for enhancing child well-being and reducing socioeconomic disparities. Policies aimed at increasing affordable housing supply, providing rental assistance, and supporting homeownership can alleviate the financial pressures on families and promote healthier, more stable living environments.[6]

[1] U.S. Census Bureau. (2024). Nearly Half of Renter Households Are Cost-Burdened, Proportions Differ by Race. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/renter-households-cost-burdened-race.html

[2] Whitney, P. (2024). More than 42 Million US Households Were Cost Burdened in 2022. Housing Perspectives. https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/more-42-million-us-households-were-cost-burdened-2022

[3] Habitat for Humanity. (2024). The Impact of Housing affordability on families

[4] Shamsuddin, S., & Campbell, C. (2022). Housing Cost Burden, Material Hardship, and Well-Being. Housing Policy Debate, 32(3), 413-432. https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Housing-Cost-Burden-Material-Hardship-and-Well-Being.pdf

[5] National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2024). New Report Highlights Effect of Housing Cost Burdens on Child Well-Being. https://nlihc.org/resource/new-report-highlights-effect-housing-cost-burdens-child-well-being

[6] Bailey, P. (2022). Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis Requires Expanding Rental Assistance and Adding Housing Units. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/addressing-the-affordable-housing-crisis-requires-expanding-rental-assistance-and

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Definition and Source

PROVIDER

Definition

The estimated count of occupied housing units with housing costs 30 percent or more of household incomes.

Data Source

U.S. Bureau of the Census, (state) American Community Survey, 1-year estimate (B25106) (county) American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (B25106)

Last Updated

June 2025