Charlotte's Affordable Housing Crisis Deepens

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A new report from Charlotte-Mecklenburg County highlights the worsening affordable housing crisis in the region, with 77% of low-cost rentals disappearing since 2015 and half of all renters now considered cost-burdened. The data also shows growing racial disparities in homeownership and homelessness, even as overall homelessness dipped slightly last year.

Why it matters

The affordable housing shortage in Charlotte has far-reaching impacts, limiting access to stable housing for low-income residents and communities of color. This crisis exacerbates issues like homelessness, financial insecurity, and displacement, undermining the region's long-term economic and social well-being.

The details

The new county data reveals the stark realities of Charlotte's housing affordability crisis. Since 2015, 77% of the region's low-cost rental units have vanished, leaving fewer options for those with limited incomes. Additionally, half of all renters in Charlotte-Mecklenburg are now considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. The report also highlights growing racial gaps, with homeownership rates declining for Black and Hispanic residents even as the overall rate has remained steady.

• The new county data was released in February 2026.