The U.S. rental vacancy rate reached 7.3% in 2026, its highest level since 2017, signaling a shift toward a renter-friendly market. State-level vacancy rates vary widely, from 3.84% in New York to 9.0% in Texas, according to March 2026 data. This article examines the latest rankings, regional patterns, and factors driving the changes.
Low-income households face a disproportionate financial burden as basic necessities consume a larger share of their total income. This analysis examines the state-level disparities in affordability across food, healthcare, and transportation sectors.
An analysis of the economic returns of higher education across the United States in 2026. Data indicates that the state of enrollment now predicts economic outcomes more accurately than institutional prestige, with significant regional variances in median earnings and ROI.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) serves as a critical financial lifeline for millions of low-income workers across the United States. While the federal government provides the primary credit, many states offer supplemental credits that vary significantly in percentage and refundability.
An analysis of U.S. middle-class income trends from 2010 to 2025 reveals a stark geographic divide. While the Mountain West and select Southern states have seen significant real income growth, many others struggle as the cost of living outpaces wage gains.
An analysis of the distributional impact of state and local taxes across the United States reveals a pervasive trend of regressive taxation. While federal taxes typically mitigate inequality, many state systems exacerbate it by placing a heavier relative burden on low-income households.
An in-depth examination of median household income across the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This report analyzes earning disparities, regional trends, and the factors influencing economic distribution across the nation.
West Virginia leads all U.S. states with a homeownership rate of 74.9%, followed by Maine (74.3%) and Michigan (73.2%). The national rate was 65.2% in 2025. High homeownership states tend to have lower home prices relative to incomes and older, less urbanized populations.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimates show California with the most housing units (14,995,410) as of July 1, 2025, followed by Texas, Florida, and New York. These state-level counts are updated annually and revised back to the 2020 Census. The data are essential for understanding housing supply, planning, and regional growth.
Median gross rent varies widely across the United States, from under $900 in West Virginia to over $2,000 in California and Hawaii. The latest Census American Community Survey data show a median state rent around $1,300, with coastal and Western states generally highest. This article ranks all states, explains how median rent is calculated, and examines affordability pressures.