If you live in New Jersey, I probably don’t even have to tell you that stat as sobering as it sounds. For those who want to know which state is number one according to Elaine Ng, the field director of HUD’s Economic and Market Analysis Division, “Of the states that were affordable in 2019 but became unaffordable by 2023, Arizona experienced the largest decline in affordability and the greatest gap between median gross rent and median renter income.” But back to Jersey, those who call NJ home know the cost of living is quite high compared to other states – just look at our property taxes!

Imagine then, how individuals who are unsheltered or at risk of homelessness who are just trying to stabilize their housing must feel. According to, National Low Income Housing Coalition, “More than one-third of New Jersey residents are considered “cost-burdened,” meaning they spend over 30% of their income on housing, with a large portion of these residents (74% of extremely low-income renters) severely cost-burdened (spending over 50% of income).”

So how did New Jersey get here? Part of it is our proximity to New York City and major national hubs. Rutgers University economist James Hughes said, “New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation, and that land is scarce, expensive and extremely regulated.” These realities compound the difficulty in new housing production – even more so affordable housing!

“The demand for affordable housing in New Jersey has reached a critical point and it is an issue that (will) only continue to grow,” said Miosha Lawrence, homeownership coordinator for the Camden-based Parkside Business & Community in Partnership organization. “Many young professionals are leaving because they cannot afford to purchase here, or even rent here,” Lawrence said as she advocated for continued funding for New Jersey’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

We in New Jersey want to be known for many things like our beautiful beaches to our mountainous terrain and the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi and some say the best pizza in the country! Please, New Jersey, let’s help our residents be able to stay and flourish in this great state of ours.