Housing affordability

Abstract

In 2000, after a decade of unprecedented economic growth, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) estimated that more than 670,000 Michigan households may be classified as “housing needy”—meaning that their dwelling is overcrowded (has more than one person per room), is substandard (i.e., lacks complete plumbing, does not have a private kitchen, lacks adequate heating, or is physically deteriorated), or eats up more than 30 percent of household income in rent or mortgage payments. Recent U.S. Census figures suggest that the national number could be as high as one million households.