Less Construction Hurts Low-Income Tenants Most

"The nationwide housing shortage has driven rents up more in low-income neighborhoods than in the U.S. overall, but in areas that have recently added large amounts of housing, rents have fallen the most in lower-income neighborhoods with older buildings, according to an analysis of publicly available housing data," said new analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

"These results are relevant for policymakers concerned about renters’ displacement as the costs of housing rise. The findings suggest that not allowing more homes to be built—even for high-income residents—pushes up all rents, making it harder for low-income tenants to remain in their neighborhoods."

Big Number: "The U.S. faces a shortage of 4 million to 7 million homes, a reality driven especially by restrictive zoning codes."