11 Million Americans Still Behind On Rent, People Of Color Suffering The Hardest

A recent report found that 11 million Americans are still behind on their rent, with renters of color facing the greatest hardships.

The study, conducted by the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities found that 24% of Black renters reported being behind on rent compared to 11% of white renters. Meanwhile, 18% of both Latino and Asian renters reported owing rent.

Communities of color have always been hit the hardest by the eviction crisis. Between 2012 and 2016, Black renters comprised a disproportionate share of evictions compared to their percentage of the renter population, a study found.

These numbers have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions of Americans remain unemployed and can barely afford living expenses.

The CBPP data shows that Blacks and Latinos reported difficulty covering living expenses, such as food and medical expenses, at almost twice the rate than Asians and whites.

However, the struggle to pay rent varies widely across the country.

Overall, renters owe an average of $3,700 in rent. However, the typical average debt in Alabama is $2,700. Meanwhile, in California, it is closer to $5,300, CNBC found.

The differences in need across the country are important to consider, Aaron Dibner-Dunlap, a senior research scientist at Surgo Ventures, told CNBC.

“If you live in a county with a high cost of living, such as many in California and New York, officials need to ensure there are enough public funds to cover the estimated debt,” he said.

California and New York are also the states with some of the highest numbers of communities of color.

To assist the millions of Americans behind on rent, the White House has given $46 billion in federal rental assistance allocated by Congress. However, states and cities have been distributing the money at an extremely slow rate, with only 12 percent of emergency rental assistance distributed thus far, The Washington Post reported.