A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University revealed that 90% of residents in Texas believe that housing affordability is a significant issue in the state. The survey found that 44% of respondents consider it a “big problem,” while 46% see it as “somewhat of a problem.” Mark Jones, a senior research fellow at the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, discussed the survey findings in an interview with Texas Standard.
According to Jones, the survey results show that Texans across different income levels perceive housing affordability as a problem, but there are differences in how severe they view the issue. Lower-income individuals are more likely to see it as a big problem compared to higher-income individuals. Additionally, Latino and Black Texans are more likely to view housing affordability as a big problem than white Texans. Those earning less than $60,000 a year also perceive the issue more severely.
From a policy standpoint, the survey results suggest that there is a widespread consensus among Texans that housing affordability is a significant issue. Jones highlighted that there is bipartisan support for government policies to address and provide more affordable housing for low and middle-income Texans. While two-thirds of Democrats and half of Republicans favor such policies, there is potential for building a bipartisan policy coalition to address the housing affordability crisis when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
Jones noted that there is pressure to bring about changes on the policy front to make housing more affordable. While Republicans tend to focus on addressing school property taxes, Democrats are exploring ways to provide more housing through government programs and subsidies. Despite differences in approaches, there is room for compromise to address the housing affordability crisis in Texas.
The survey also revealed that utility bills and homeowner’s insurance are major sources of financial strain for homeowners and renters in Texas. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to address housing affordability issues across the state.
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