Housing affordability crisis in America reaches middle-income renters

America's housing affordability crisis is no longer confined to low-income households, with new research showing that middle-income families are increasingly struggling to keep up with rental costs. One in five renters across the country failed to pay their housing expenses in full and on time over the past year.

The findings mark a significant shift in the nature of the affordability problem, which has historically been associated with the poorest households. Researchers now warn that financial pressure from rising rents is spreading into higher income brackets, affecting families who were previously considered financially stable.

The trend raises fresh concerns about the broader health of the American rental market and the long-term consequences for household finances if costs continue to outpace earnings across income groups.