Even people who have a decent income may struggle paying rent. The affordability crisis is only worsening. High demand (due partly to the financial inability to buy a home), inventory shortage and a lack of new residential construction are major factors in the soaring costs of living. 

One proven solution to lessen the financial burden of renting is affordable housing, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines as housing for which the occupant is paying no more than 30% of their gross income for housing costs, including utilities.  

But affordable housing is hugely underfunded, meaning there’s not nearly enough to go around. This is a nationwide problem, but some states are particularly short on affordable housing.