Percent of Households Burdened by Housing Costs Time Series

2020 data points are the average of 2019 and 2021 data points and are included solely to maintain chart continuity. The U.S. Census Bureau did not release 2020 ACS 1-year estimates due to COVID-19. These figures should not be interpreted as an actual estimate for 2020. Some racial and ethnic categories are suppressed to avoid misleading estimates when the relative standard error exceeds 30%. Data Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates Why This Matters Housing is a basic necessity, and affordable housing is essential for individuals and families to live and thrive in DC. The rising cost of housing threatens residents’ access to safe and stable housing as well as their ability to cover other essential expenses like food, transportation, and childcare. Racial segregation, housing discrimination, and racist urban renewal programs, among other policies and practices, have meant that Black residents and residents of color in the District disproportionately experience the effects of rapidly rising housing costs. The District's Response Leading the nation in policies and investments for low-income rental households. Target of 12,000 new affordable housing units by 2025. Steps taken to preserve and expand affordable housing include the Housing Production Trust Fund, the Affordable Housing Preservation Fund, and the Home Purchasing Assistance Program, among others.