Housing affordability crisis in the US spreads beyond low earners to squeeze middle-income families

America's housing affordability crisis is no longer confined to the poorest households. New research shows that the struggle to meet rental costs has climbed the income ladder, now affecting families who would once have considered themselves financially secure.

One in five renters across the country reported difficulty paying their housing costs in full and on time during the past year, a finding that points to a broader erosion of affordability than previously acknowledged.

The data suggest that rising rents are outpacing wage growth across multiple income brackets, placing pressure on households that have historically been cushioned from such difficulties. Researchers warn the trend signals a deepening structural problem in the American rental market.