Housing—quality, affordable housing—is a fundamental human right to which everyone is entitled. Even so, housing disparity remains at an all-time high, with millions of people, minorities in particular, struggling to find affordable housing.
The disparity in housing in regards to people of color can be traced back decades, particularly during the suburban booms of the 1930s-1950s. Although White Americans benefited from policies such as private loans and mortgage programs, minorities, especially African-Americans, were completely excluded. This could be seen through government policies, such as banning the reselling of homes to non-whites, or refusing to subsidize African-Americans’ mortgages except in segregated enclaves. Non-governmental agencies, such as banks and private developers, would also bar non-whites from residing in the suburbs. These discriminatory policies are known as redlining, and their various consequences remain visible even in the present day.
For one, homeownership is vital in building generational wealth. As such, white families were able to build wealth and pass it down, while more often than not, Black families in America were left out of this economic growth. In addition, redlined areas often receive less funding than other areas, leading to an overall decrease in the quality of these neighborhoods. Today, many formerly redlined neighborhoods still experience higher poverty rates, lower home values, and less access to quality services. African-Americans and other minorities are still less likely to own homes than white Americans, and when they do, their homes tend to appreciate less in value.
Even when not taking into consideration historical consequences, housing disparity remains visible. The wide income gap means that minorities generally earn less, and are therefore either unable to afford housing, or are extremely burdened by rent/other payments. In fact, as of 2023, there are stark disparities in homeownership rates across racial groups in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 74.4% of white households own their homes, compared to only 45.9% of Black households and 49.4% of Latino households (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).
This gap is closely tied to wealth inequality. The Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances reported that the median wealth of white households was $250,400, while Black households had a median wealth of $27,100, and Latino households had $36,200 (Federal Reserve, 2022). When it comes to accessing mortgages, racial disparities persist. A report based on Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data found that in 2021, Black applicants were denied mortgages at a rate of 16%, compared to just 6.1% for white applicants (LendingTree, 2021). Rent affordability is also a major issue. According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (2022), 57% of Black renters and 53% of Latino renters are considered rent-burdened—meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent—compared to 43% of white renters.
Overall, it’s clear that housing disparity is a glaring issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Luckily, many organizations have taken it upon themselves to advocate for a change, such as the National Fair Housing Alliance or the Neighborhood Association Corporation of America. Housing is something that should be within reach of all. Although rooted in historical discriminatory practices, and not an easy feat, the efforts of organizations and individuals show that change is possible.
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