GoKawiilUrban Institute: Middle-Income Renters Show Sharpest Rise in Rent Hardship
A new Urban Institute report finds that nearly 22% of middle-income renters missed a full, on-time rent payment at least once in 2025, up from about 14% in 2024. Middle-income was defined as $31,300-$62,600 for single renters and $53,300-$106,600 for a family of three, income levels that should theoretically cover the average U.S. rent of $1,771. The report notes middle-income households saw the sharpest increase in rent-related financial hardship of any income group.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings suggest rent affordability strain is spreading beyond low-income households into a broader swath of the population, which could signal wider economic pressure on consumer spending and housing stability. Researchers attribute the shift to rising overall living costs, implying that even six-figure salaries may not insulate households from missed payments and eviction risk. If the trend continues, landlords, lenders and policymakers may need to reassess who is considered financially vulnerable in housing markets.
- Nearly 22% of middle-income renters missed a full rent payment in 2025, up from ~14% in 2024.
- Middle-income earners, some making six-figure salaries, are increasingly unable to afford rent despite average U.S. rent being $1,771.
- Researchers link the trend to broader rising household expenses rather than income levels alone.
Source: entrepreneur.com — Sherin Shibu, 2026-09-24
Published there as: “Struggling to Afford Rent? New Research Shows That Even 6-Figure Earners Are Falling Behind.”
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