HPIO fact sheet highlights connection between affordable housing, health equity

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio released a new fact sheet titled “Housing Affordability and Health Equity,” which explores the connection between affordable and safe housing and health.

According to the fact sheet, “Quality, affordable housing is vital for Ohio families to maintain stable employment and long-term health. Low wages, a lack of safe and affordable housing and the impacts of racism and housing discrimination result in many Ohioans spending a significant portion of their income on poor quality housing in neighborhoods that are disconnected from necessary resources, including high-quality health care and high paying jobs.”

The fact sheet notes:

• About one-fifth of white Ohio renters (21%) spent over 50% of their income on housing in 2017. This housing cost burden was even higher for Latino and Black Ohioans.
• Many workers were not paid enough to afford a 2-bedroom apartment at fair market rent (FMR) in Ohio in 2020.
• There were only 42 affordable rental units for every 100 renter households with incomes at or below the poverty line or 30% area median income in Ohio in 2019.

The fact sheet also includes links to existing state plans and resources that include evidence-based strategies policymakers can focus on to improve housing affordability in Ohio.