Housing Affordability in The Northeast

Abstract

This study documents the so-called “affordability crisis” and tests whether national data on affordable housing accurately reflects this parameter in the Northeast. Components and definitions of affordability are discussed, as well as the needs of groups especially affected by income limitations. In mid-1986, the national median income ($28,625) was 101.4 percent of that needed to qualify for an 80 percent mortgage on an average-priced new home. In the Northeast, the average cost of a new home exceeded the national average by 33 percent, while household median income was only five percent greater than the national average. Moreover, the data on a city-by-city or regional basis indicate differences obscured by statewide data.

The affordability of housing is complex, with components that range from materials and labor costs to public policy. Several components of housing costs are identified that may be amenable to educational outreach. Several approaches by which Cooperative Extension may address the situation are outlined.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Phyllis Barner

Phyllis Barner is Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Extension Education, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.

Joseph Laquatra

Joseph Laquatra is Assistant Professor, Department of Design and Environmental Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Joseph T. Ponessa

Joseph T. Ponessa is Associate Specialist in Housing and Energy, Cooperative Extension, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. This study was commissioned by the Extension Home Economics program leaders in the Northeast in response to a survey conducted by Luane Lange. A report of these findings was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Housing Educators pre-conference Extension program, Santa Fe, New Mexico, October, 1986.