Posted on September 24, 2026 View all news
The Urban Institute released this week findings from their Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey, which examined the 2019-2025 trends in challenges to paying housing and utility costs for adults 18 to 64. They found that renters are facing increased difficulty affording housing, utilities, and other basic needs.
Key Findings:
– Challenges to paying rent for working-age adults increased in 2025.
– Middle-income renters had the highest increase in issues paying rent.
– Working-age adults had more problems paying rent and utilities for heating and electricity.
– 1 in 10 older adults, ages 65 and older, reported challenges paying for rent and utilities.
Read the full brief and report here.
