New 5-year estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS) for 2005-2009 show that across Minnesota, many renters do not have affordable rental housing, and some of the most difficult places for residents to rent are in Greater Minnesota. The new data, available not only by county but by city, school district, legislative district, census tract, and block group, give the most complete demographic picture of small communities since the 2000 Census.
Key findings for the 2005-2009 period include:
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In 84 of Minnesota's 87 counties, at least a quarter of renters paid 30% or more of their income for housing - a cost burden, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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In 39 counties, a majority of renter households headed by seniors 65 years old or older faced a housing cost burden. No area of the state was immune from a shortage of affordable rental for seniors.
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In 12 counties at least a quarter of renters paid over half of their income for housing. Of these, only one (Ramsey) was in the 7-county metro. The other counties were Clay, Winona, Chisago, Sherburne, Mower, Fairbault, Grant, St. Louis, Stearns, Blue Earth, and Douglas counties.
See the full press release for additional analysis and contact Minnesota Housing Partnership for more information about housing data for small areas.
