Census Data Shows Rent Costs Strain 23% of Dallas Households

Nearly 23% of households in Dallas are classified as severely cost-burdened because they spend over 50% of their income on rent, according to a recent analysis of 2023 census data. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has established a benchmark of more than 30% of income for tenants, which nearly half of them exceed.

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A developing concern regarding housing affordability is evident in the data, particularly for Black households, which experience the most significant income-to-rent disparities. The Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL) reports that 56% of Black households in Dallas are cost-burdened, with over 31% of families spending more than half of their income on rent.

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Ashley Flores, the superintendent of housing at CPAL, emphasized the obstacles these families encounter: "Many are compelled to make impossible trade-offs, sacrificing essentials such as food and healthcare to maintain a roof over their heads."

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In addition, the CPAL report indicates that Districts 4 and 8 have a higher concentration of tenants paying over 50% of their income on rent. The median rent in Dallas County is $1,597, which is higher than the national average.

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To resolve this matter, advocates emphasize the necessity of enhanced affordability in the housing market. Flores underscored that reducing housing costs must alleviate residents' financial burden, stating that educational advancements and wage growth alone will not resolve the issue.

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