Title: Rising Housing Costs Push 40% of Renters Below Poverty Line
Housing Crisis Deepens as Renters Bear the Brunt
A recent report has revealed a concerning surge in poverty among renter households, with 40% now struggling to meet basic needs due to soaring housing costs. The crisis, which intensified in 2023, has left millions of families financially strained, unable to afford stable housing or participate in national homeownership initiatives.
Key Findings: A Dual Poverty Crisis
Statistical analysis highlights two major poverty categories affecting renters:
- Income Poverty – 67% (1.33 million households) earn below the poverty line.
- Housing-Induced Poverty – 33% (652,000 households) fall into poverty solely due to rent and utility expenses.
Combined, 1.98 million renter households (7.6 million people) now face financial hardship, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
Urban-Rural Divide and Demographic Impact
- 94% of affected households are in urban areas, with Tehran province alone accounting for 620,000 struggling families.
- Families with 3-5 members represent 72% of impoverished renters, while households led by individuals aged 35-44 are the hardest hit (31%).
- Western Azerbaijan reports the highest poverty rate (62%), while Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari has the lowest (14%).
Policy Gaps and the Need for Reform
The report underscores flaws in traditional poverty measurement methods, which often overlook housing costs. Experts call for evidence-based policy adjustments to address affordability gaps and prevent further economic strain on vulnerable families.
Source: Tasnim News Agency