Updated: February, 2024

Author: Planning Unit, Vermont Department of Health

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

Because this data is meant to show how the health of our state changes during the decade from 2020-2030, some indicators may have very few data points for now. Keep checking back to see the progress our public health system and partners are making.

By 2030 we would like to see this indicator go down to 29% or fewer households in Vermont spending 30% or more of their income on housing. This number has improved over the last several years (37% in 2014 and 31% in 2021).  There is only one data point for this indicator since 2021 is the baseline against which we will measure change between now and 2030.

It is difficult to provide any specific reason for the improvement we have seen because there are so many factors that impact housing costs and a household’s ability to afford housing.

Also, we know the housing market and economic situation in Vermont has changed in recent years coming out of the pandemic. As a result, it is likely that this number may increase as more data becomes available. 

The percent of people spending more than 30% of their income on housing in the Vermont is slightly lower than the rest of the United States (31% compared to 35%). This is a good sign, but there are still many people impacted by burdensome housing costs and several challenges to our housing market in Vermont.

Looking for more data?

• Look at previous data on cost-burdened households from our 2020 Scorecards.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for reducing the proportion of families that spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing.

Households that pay more pay more than 30% of their income on housing are considered “cost burdened.” Having to pay such a large percentage of their income on housing means families may not have enough money to pay for other things, like healthy food and healthcare. Also, the stress that comes with not being able to afford the basic needs for maintaining good health is itself a barrier to physical health and mental well-being. All of this increases the risk of mental health problems and chronic disease.

Unaffordable housing can also lead to substandard, unsafe, and unhealthy housing conditions. Housing instability, including frequent moves, living in doubled-up housing (living in shared housing, such as with another family or friends, due to various crises), eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness are linked to difficulty in maintaining adherence to medication, elevated stress levels, depression, and hopelessness.

Understanding the financial and health impact of burdensome housing costs is important for policy and program decisions. There are many policy and budget decisions related to housing, economic development, zoning and urban planning, and more which impact access to adequate and sustainable housing. And all of the many programs being funded and implemented by government entities, organizations, and community coalitions in Vermont can use data to better target their strategies to increase housing stability and reduce homelessness.

The percent of households that are cost burdened due to paying more than 30% of their income on housing is higher among renters than those that own their homes (with or without a mortgage). This has an inequitable impact on people who face barriers to obtaining a mortgage loan or finding available housing in rural areas. Also, lower cost housing may be associated with older homes which have a higher likelihood of lead or other unsafe conditions that increase health risks to households.

Low incomes and limited housing options are a major driver of homelessness and increased risk of serious health conditions. You can learn more about this in the Health Needs of Unstably Housed Vermont Residents data brief.

We know that certain populations have higher rates of being unhoused in Vermont. This includes people with mental illness or substance use disorder, and people experiencing abuse. These disparities may be due to stigma and a lack of adequate support for specific challenges and barriers. People of color and Indigenous Vermonters are also more likely to experience periods without adequate housing, likely resulting from current and historic discrimination in policy and social systems.

Coming out of the pandemic, the amount of people who are unhoused in Vermont has increased drastically. And as financial subsidies for unstably housed Vermonters are coming to an end the impact on homelessness and burdensome housing costs is likely to continue rising.

Learn more about housing and homeowner characteristics in Vermont at HousingData.Org

There are many organizations, coalitions, community groups, and programs across the state all working to remove barriers to housing and increase economic stability for people in Vermont. Ensuring there is communication, collaboration, and shared resources to maximize the impact of our collective efforts is key to addressing such a complex and pervasive issue.  

The Vermont Council on Housing and Homelessness is a statewide group of members representing various partners who work to create collaborative strategies to address housing issues across Vermont.

The Department for Children and Families and the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living in the Agency of Human Services work together to improve access to safe and affordable housing. They support housing programs, such as emergency housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and economic assistance for maintaining housing and meeting basic needs.

The Vermont State Housing Authority provides critical housing assistance across Vermont.

The Department of Health supports safe housing through the Healthy Homes Program, and oversees regulations for lead control in housing and child-occupied facilities.

The target of 29% was chosen based on historical trends as a measurable and achievable goal through collective effort by 2030.

Data comes from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates (table DP04).

Data includes the percent of those who rent their homes, and those who own their homes with or without mortgages.

U.S. Census American Community Survey data tables