Rental housing is less affordable than ever

In Minnesota, working full time (or more) doesn’t mean you’ll have enough to pay rent. According to a report from Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP), the gap between wages and rent is growing. Wages are not keeping pace with rent increases.

Building on an annual report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, MHP’s Out of Reach Minnesota 2019 reveals the wage necessary to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Minnesota has jumped by 9% over the past decade. Meanwhile, as housing costs have climbed, median renter income declined by 5% from 2000 to 2017, with disproportionately severe impacts on communities of color.

From personal care aides and cashiers to restaurant cooks and nursing assistants, top in-demand jobs in our area simply don’t pay enough to afford a modest apartment.