Low-Income Northern Virginians Face the Country’s Most Severe Housing Cost Burden

On Jan. 13, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Insight RegionTM launches the first in a series of research briefs that focus on economic opportunity in this region. The first brief examines housing affordability for low- and moderate-income Northern Virginians.

Compared to other large metro areas, Northern Virginia and the broader DC area have one of the lowest rates of “severe housing burden” in the country (spending over half of one’s household income on rent/mortgage, taxes, fees, and basic utilities). Yet while the majority of residents can afford the region’s steep housing costs, low-income households cannot.  Northern Virginia had the highest rate of severe housing burden among households earning less than 200% of federal poverty (under $50,000 for a family of four) and the sixth highest rate among those at 200-400% of federal poverty ($50,000 to 100,000 for a family of four). This condition harms the individuals and families who experience it. It is also a social and economic problem that concentrates disadvantage in the most vulnerable and marginalized populations and impedes ability to grow a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable region.

The brief will be made available following the event. More information here.

Host: Elizabeth Hughes, Senior Direct, Insight Region^TM, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Featuring Harry Klaff, Principal and President of Clients, Avison Young, and Michelle Krocker, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance.