Leveraging Machine Learning and Data Analytics to Study the U.S. Rental and Homelessness Crisis

Abstract

Introduction

The report examines the widespread housing crisis in the United States, where millions of households—especially low-income and marginalized groups—face significant problems such as incomplete kitchen and plumbing facilities, overcrowding, and severe cost burdens. These issues negatively affect health, education, job stability, and social mobility, reinforcing long-term cycles of poverty and inequality. Using data from the 2017–2021 American Community Survey, the analysis shows that housing problems are strongly correlated with income level: the lower the income, the more likely households are to experience multiple housing challenges.

Renters are disproportionately affected, with nearly half facing at least one housing problem and many losing over 50% of their income to housing costs. By contrast, homeowners face fewer issues and lower cost burdens. Income distribution data further demonstrates that renters typically earn far less than homeowners, making stable and adequate housing especially difficult for them to access.

The four themes—general housing problems, severe housing problems, income disparities, and cost burden—highlight systemic failures in affordability and housing quality. The results reveal that the lowest-income households report the highest levels of housing instability, while higher-income households experience far fewer issues.

The report concludes that urgent policy reforms are needed, including expanding affordable housing programs, enforcing rental quality standards, implementing rent control measures, increasing the minimum wage, and providing job training to improve economic stability. These steps aim to reduce homelessness, strengthen economic mobility, and promote social equity across the United States.

Conclusion

The housing crisis in the United States remains a critical and deeply rooted issue, disproportionately affecting low-income families, renters, and marginalized communities. The data clearly show that inadequate housing, severe cost burdens, and overcrowding are strongly linked to income inequality, creating barriers to health, education, and long-term economic stability. Renters, who generally earn far less than homeowners, experience the highest levels of housing insecurity and are most vulnerable to rising housing costs. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the current housing system fails to provide equitable access to safe, affordable, and adequate living conditions. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated action—expanding affordable housing supply, strengthening tenant protections, improving rental quality standards, and enhancing economic opportunities for low-income households. Without meaningful policy interventions, housing instability will continue to undermine social mobility and widen economic disparities. A comprehensive and sustained response is essential to ensure that all individuals and families have access to stable, affordable, and dignified housing, which is a fundamental component of economic security and social well-being.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Saikaushik Muthukumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.