A new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition finds that rent is not affordable for a growing number of Americans.

Linda Couch, senior vice president for policy at the coalition, joined Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson to explain what people in a variety of places across the U.S. have to earn in order to pay for an affordable apartment.

Hawaii, not surprisingly, is the most expensive place to rent. In Atlanta, renters need to make almost $16 per hour to afford a two-bedroom.

Couch said many people are spending 70 percent of their income on rent. People are doubling and tripling up, and many people are living in substandard homes, far away from their jobs.

Jeremy Hobson also spoke with NPR’s Chris Arnold about what is happening with new home construction, and why many renters have trouble becoming first time home buyers.

Guest

• Linda Couch, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. She tweets @lowincomelinda.
• Chris Arnold, correspondent for NPR. He tweets at @Chris_ArnoldNPR.

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