Missoula Measures - Rentals
Why this topic?
The ability to provide for a roof over one’s head is a basic necessity of life. Beyond basic shelter, housing is a foundation for personal security and stability, and it defines the social ties of neighborhood, school, and community for most Missoulians. The national standard for renters suggests that housing costs, including rent and all utilities, should not exceed 30% of gross household income. To the extent that housing consumes more than that, it cuts in on the amount available for other basic needs, such as medical care, food, clothing and transportation.
Family Stability
Homelessness and the threat of homelessness puts a terrible strain on people in their relationships with each other and with their ability to continue in a job or do well in school. The incidence of health and social problems escalates when housing costs stress the family budget or, especially, when they result in the loss of housing altogether. Missoula At-Risk Housing Coalition
Indicator
A family is said to experience cost-burden when their housing costs base, including utilities, exceed 30% of their gross income. In Missoula County, the 2000 Census indicates that more than 25.3% of homeowners and almost 50% of renters were experiencing cost-burden. This is an increase from 1990 Census data, which showed 16.7% of homeowners and 44.4% of renters experiencing cost-burden in Missoula County.
Source: Sources: Missoula Housing Coordinator (1998)
Related Data
Missoula Consolidated Plan 2004 - 2008 - an extensive analysis of the housing market and current and future housing needs.
Affordability - Missoula County
Source: Source: 2000 US Census
The average-income family is probably paying a higher percentage of their income for rental housing now than they did ten years ago. Low-income families are experiencing an increasingly severe cost burden for housing. In the worst cases, they may be forced to leave the Missoula area or even become homeless. Of 1200 households seeking help at the Women's Opportunity Resource Development's Family Basic's program, more than half were spending between 60-80% of their income on housing (2001)
Subsidized Housing
As of February, 2008, there were:
- 896 families on the Public Housing wait list
- 1127 families on the Section 8 voucher wait list
- 12 families on the Shelter+Care voucher wait list
Missoula Housing Authority Annual Report 2011
See Housing Rental Assistance.
Related Measures
Related Websites
Missoula Office of Planning and Grants - Missoula Online Statistical System (MOSS)
