History of Affordable housing in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2026

Affordable housing is defined as housing accessible to those earning at or below the median income, according to government standards and affordability indices. It encompasses a spectrum of housing options, ranging from emergency shelters to affordable homeownership. The demand for affordable housing typically rises when housing affordability decreases, marked by increasing rents, and a rise in homelessness. The term covers many areas within both the public and private sectors.

1984: Decrease in quality rental units

David Rodda noted that from 1984, the number of quality rental units decreased as the demand for higher quality housing increased.

1991: Decrease in quality rental units

David Rodda noted that by 1991, the number of quality rental units decreased as the demand for higher quality housing increased.

2022: Renters paying less than 30% of their monthly income on rent and utilities

In 2022, researchers determined that approximately half of renters in the United States paid less than 30% of their monthly income on rent and utilities, around a quarter paid between 30% and 50%, and another quarter paid more than 50%.

2024: OECD Affordable Housing Database

The OECD Affordable Housing Database estimates the percentage of housing-related expenses, including rent, imputed rent, energy, water, and maintenance costs, as a percentage of household final consumption expenditure for 2024 by country.

2050: Urban population growth

The World Bank reports that by 2050, nearly 7 of 10 people in the world will live in cities, bringing challenges to urban development and the global demand for affordable housing.