Data was obtained from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Database from 2019-2023. Data was collected using the American Community Survey (5-Year Estimates). The numerator used is the total number of households in a county that spend 50% or more of their household income on housing expenses and the denominator is the total number of occupied housing units for which housing cost burden is computed in a county.

Severe housing cost burden is defined as the percentage of households that spend 50% or more of their household income on housing.

Are things getting better? Are things getting worse? Are things staying the same?

In 2023, 14% of Kershaw County residents are spending 50% or more of their income on housing costs.

Source: County Rankings and Roadmaps 

What are different groups experiencing?

Source: US Census 

Source: Eviction Lab

Engaging in the “Story Behind the Curve” process encourages us to better understand the supporting and contextual data associated with the specific result we are working to achieve as well as the related indicators. This analysis allows us to identify both positive and negative factors that influence the established baseline trend, identify partners to engage with, and develop strategies that would help us to “Turn the Curve,” in the direction that helps us achieve the desired results identified by each workgroup with the goal to improve the overall well-being of Kershaw County residents. 

What factors are pushing up on the data? 

The Housing Workgroup identified a number of factors that are negatively influencing the data. Some of these factors include:

• Lack of Affordable Housing Units 

• Policy Barriers 

• Lack of Protection for Renters 

• Market Forces 

• Rising Rental Costs 

• Rising Utility Costs 

• Rising Interest Rates 

• Development of New Housing Units Focused on Market-Rate Housing 

• Limited Access to Resources 

• Limited Financial Literacy 

• Low Salaries/Wages 

• Limited Opportunities for Employment 

What factors are pushing down on the data?

The Housing Workgroup identified a number of factors that are positively influencing the data. Some of these factors include:

• Immediate Housing Assistance Programs

• Transitional Housing Programs  

• Home Repair Programs 

What partners should we engage to address the factors? 

The Housing Workgroup identified the following community partners and organizations as integral components of the ongoing development and implementation of the 2023 Kershaw County Community Health Improvement Plan. These partners play a crucial role in ensuring that all residents of Kershaw County have access to safe, affordable housing. 

• United Way of Kershaw County 

• Habitat for Humanity 

• Food for the Soul 

• New Day on Mill 

• Christian Community Ministries 

• Santee Lynches 

• Kershaw County Housing Authority 

• Kershaw County Housing Partnership 

• State Housing Authority 

• Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County 

• Kershaw County Government

The Housing Workgroup identified the following strategy areas for the 2023 Kershaw County Community Health Improvement Plan to work towards all residents of Kershaw County being having access to safe, affordable housing.

• Strategy Area 1: Strengthen Partnerships Between Organizations Working in Housing 

• Strategy Area 2: Support Organizations Serving Residents Experiencing Homelessness

• Strategy Area 3: Identify Potential Opportunites Related to Neighborhood Revitalization

• Strategy Area 4: Explore Housing and Health Initiatives

• Strategy Area 5: Address Housing Safety and Quality 

• Strategy Area 6: Identify Long-Term Approaches to Address Affordabiility