MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- A new report shows the seriousness of the affordable housing crisis in Mecklenburg County.

The State of Housing Instability and Homelessness study finds more than half of Latinx and African American households spend more than one-third of pre-tax income on housing and utilities. It also finds evictions went down starting in 2011, but increased 12 percent in the last fiscal year.

In order to afford a two-bedroom apartment, the renter would need to make $19.77 an hour while maintaining a full–time job.

Researchers say rising rents and a lack of affordable housing is a driver of homelessness.

Fair market rents:

  • Studio apartment is $875
  • 1 bedroom apartment is $897
  • 2 bedroom apartment is $1,028
  • 3-bedroom apartment is $1,388
  • 4 bedroom is $1,779

The full study can be found on the county’s website.