Affordable Rental Housing Justification Census data shows that a significant number of Dutchess County renters are cost burdened, meaning they spend over 30 percent of their gross income on rent. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development considers any household paying more than 30 percent of their gross income towards rents to be cost burdened and the unit unaffordable for that household. Approximately 71 percent of extremely low income renters pay more than 30 percent of their income towards rent while 61 percent pay more than 50 percent towards rent.
Elderly renters have similar problems with cost burdens.
As such, the development of affordable rental is essential to relieving the burden from these households. As indicated in the needs analysis, there is a significant need for units with three or more bedrooms. Census information shows that 70 percent of renter occupied units in Dutchess County are studio, one or two-bedroom units. Information from the HUD shows that 21 percent of Dutchess County's low to moderate income, large-related families reported overcrowded conditions. Anecdotal information from Section 8 agencies shows that large families have an extremely difficult time locating appropriate housing.