In Pennsylvania, the fair market rent of a two-bedroom apartment is $1,365. To afford this, a household must earn about $54,614 annually or $26.26 per hour. The average renter’s wage is $20.11 per hour. Pennsylvania offers some affordable public housing options for low-income individuals and families. However, due to the current cost of living, moderate-income households are also finding affordable housing out of reach.   
 
The U.S. Department of Housing defines housing as affordable if a family pays no more than 30% of its monthly income for rent or mortgage costs, along with taxes and insurance.  However, rising housing prices and rent prices have created an affordability gap for working families.  Moderate-income individuals and families, or those who make up to 120% of the local area median income, may live paycheck to paycheck but still make too much to qualify for public housing. My legislation would make affordable housing an option for these families by allowing housing authorities in Pennsylvania to develop moderate-income housing opportunities.
 
As wages remain stagnant and the cost of living soars, our residents should still be able to afford to put a roof over their heads. Please sign on to this proposal to improve access to safe, affordable housing in Pennsylvania.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1473 (Apr 23, 2025): P.L.955, No.265