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NWLC Data Finds Disabled Women, Single Women Highly Burdened by Rent
WASHINGTON – The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) released an issue brief that includes demographic data highlighting the share of women renters — single women, disabled women, and women of color, specifically — who are severely cost-burdened, which means that they spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent. The issue brief illustrates the severity of the housing crisis for renters and describes which policies are needed to create an equitable housing system for all.
Read the report here: The Continuing Need for Gender, Racial, and Disability Justice for Renters
“This report shows just how difficult it is to be a renter in this country, particularly for women of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and disabled people who have faced centuries of discriminatory housing and economic policies,” said Sarah Hassmer, director of housing justice at NWLC and co-author of the brief. “Congressional Republicans have already made massive cuts to essential social programs, while the Trump administration is gutting the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Now, more than ever, we need significant public investments and sweeping policy changes at all levels of government to ensure that every person can afford rent without sacrificing their basic needs.”
Key Takeaways Among Single Renters:
- Nearly 4 million single women renters were severely cost-burdened, with women (41.7%) more likely than men (33.7%) to be severely cost-burdened.
- Over half of disabled Latinas (55.0%), disabled white, non-Hispanic women (50.9%), and disabled Black, non-Hispanic women (50.8%) were severely cost-burdened.
- Disabled women (50.9%) were more likely than nondisabled men (29.8%) and disabled men (47.1%) to be severely cost-burdened.
- Among single adults raising at least one child under the age of 18 on their own, women (46.8%) were more likely than men (28.9%) to be severely cost-burdened.
- Among single parents, disabled women (56.0%) were more likely than nondisabled men (26.6%) and disabled men (44.5%) to be severely cost-burdened.
On Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, the data also underscores the financial strain placed on Black women in particular. Not only are Black women making 66 cents for every dollar made by white, non-Hispanic men — but 43.5% of single Black women are also spending the majority of their paycheck to cover rent, compared to only 31.9% of white non-Hispanic men.
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