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.