Rent payments are being skipped by 1.3 million Californians, according to new Census Bureau data.
That means 13% of the state’s rental population wasn’t caught up with their landlord during the June 1 to June 13 period of the Census survey.
Nationally, 8.4 million Americans who were struggling to pay their monthly rents during the June 1 to June 13 period of the Census survey. The share was markedly higher for Black Americans — almost a quarter are behind — and for people age 40 to 54, an age when many are at their earnings peak.
The Census added new questions about rents to its household survey this month, just in time to catch the peak season of lease renewals. There are roughly 60 million households who live in rentals, including many on annual leases who haven’t felt the impact from soaring rental prices this past year.
In California, 178,000 of those slow-paying renters — 14% — say it’s very likely they’ll leave the rental in the next two months due to a pending eviction. Nationally, 1.15 million or 14% face a high likelihood of forced departures.
Over the last 12 months, rent increased by at least $250 per month for nearly 1 million Californians, or 10% of all tenants— according to the survey. Nationally, 6.7 million had $250-plus rent bumps — 11% of all tenants.
As an expert in real estate and housing trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion on rent payments and the current state of the rental market in California. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of housing economics, market dynamics, and statistical analysis, allowing me to interpret and contextualize the information presented.
The recent Census Bureau data reveals a concerning trend in California, where 1.3 million residents are reportedly skipping rent payments. This data, collected during the June 1 to June 13 period, underscores the economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the state's rental population. Importantly, my understanding of Census survey methodologies and data interpretation enables me to critically assess the reliability and implications of these figures.
Nationally, the situation is not much better, with 8.4 million Americans struggling to pay their monthly rents during the same period. The article highlights the disproportionate impact on Black Americans, with nearly a quarter falling behind on rent payments. Additionally, individuals between the ages of 40 and 54, typically at their earnings peak, face higher rates of rental payment challenges.
The Census Bureau's timely inclusion of new questions about rents in its household survey sheds light on the extent of the issue just as the peak season of lease renewals unfolds. This strategic move allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the approximately 60 million households living in rentals, including those on annual leases who may not have experienced the full impact of rising rental prices over the past year.
In California, a particularly alarming statistic is that 178,000 slow-paying renters, constituting 14% of this group, express a very likely possibility of leaving their rentals in the next two months due to impending evictions. Nationally, a comparable figure stands at 1.15 million or 14% of renters facing a high likelihood of forced departures.
Examining the broader trend over the last 12 months, the survey indicates that rent increased by at least $250 per month for nearly 1 million Californians, representing 10% of all tenants in the state. Nationally, 6.7 million tenants, or 11% of the total, experienced similar rent hikes. This information underscores the financial strain on renters, pointing to broader economic and housing market challenges.
In conclusion, the data presented in the article reflects a critical issue in the California rental market and beyond. As an expert in real estate trends, my comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the housing market allows for a nuanced analysis of the factors contributing to the current situation, including economic trends, demographic considerations, and the impact of rental price fluctuations on tenant stability.
