Stable Homes, Healthy Communities

In this report, we present findings about how rising rents and housing instability affect renters’ health in Colorado, including the results of a survey with 212 low- and moderate-income renters across the state.

Half of the renters we surveyed reported that their landlords had raised the rent within the past 2 years. The average increase was 9%, or $113 per month, while the largest was $450 per month, a 38% increase.

Unaffordable housing is closely linked to housing instability, including evictions, which can have cascading effects on health, employment, children’s educational attainment, and future housing opportunities. Renters who responded to our survey experienced ongoing stress and worry about housing instability, especially if their landlord had raised the rent recently. This can contribute to chronic stress, which in turn can cause or worsen chronic health conditions like depression, heart disease, and diabetes.

Involuntary or frequent moves can also negatively impact children’s mental health and their educational attainment — which is a major driver of adult health outcomes.

This report was authored by Human Impact Partners in partnership with United for a New Economy and 9to5 Colorado.

Our Research  /  Stable Homes, Healthy Communities Report