Nearly Half of Ohio Renters Spend Over Half Their Income on Housing

New report shows shortage of affordable rental units across the state, with the crisis most acute in major cities like Columbus.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio reveals that nearly half of the state's 1.58 million renters are paying more than they can afford on rent. The report also found a shortage of 266,000 affordable and available rental units in Ohio, with the crisis most severe in the state's largest cities.

Why it matters

The lack of affordable housing in Ohio is putting a significant financial strain on low-income residents, forcing many to spend the majority of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. This leaves little left over for other basic necessities like food, healthcare, and transportation, and increases the risk of homelessness.

The details

According to the report, 73% of extremely low-income renters in Ohio (those earning less than $33,000 per year for a family of four) spend more than half of their income on rent, up from 66% five years ago. Ohio only has 37 affordable rental units for every 100 extremely low-income households. The shortage is even worse in the state's largest cities, with Columbus lacking about 53,000 affordable units, Cleveland short about 54,000, and Cincinnati missing around 55,000.

  • The 2026 Gap Report was released on March 5, 2026.
  • Average monthly rent in Ohio was $1,302 as of February 2026, according to Zillow.

The players

National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)

A national advocacy organization focused on ensuring decent, affordable housing for the lowest income households.

Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO)

A statewide organization that advocates for policies and programs to prevent and end homelessness and expand affordable housing in Ohio.

Amy Riegel

Executive Director of COHHIO.

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What they’re saying

“The data confirms what we hear all the time – renters across the board are having more trouble paying rent. For people at the bottom of the pay scale, rent is gobbling up most of their paychecks. But this report shows the rent Pac-Man is moving up the income ladder.”

— Amy Riegel, Executive Director, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio

“It is a sad fact that only one in four households who qualify for housing assistance receive it. When renters are housing cost-burdened, they cannot afford to cover other basic necessities such as food, health care, transportation, or childcare. Congress has the solutions to increase housing affordability across the country. They must support robust housing assistance programs that can alleviate the housing crisis and ensure the wellbeing of millions of the lowest-income renters.”

— Renee M. Willis, President and CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition

What’s next

With mid-term elections approaching, advocates are calling on political candidates to make plans to address the affordable housing crisis in Ohio and increase access to housing assistance programs.

The takeaway

The lack of affordable housing in Ohio is putting a severe financial strain on low-income residents, forcing many to spend the majority of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. Policymakers must prioritize solutions to increase the supply of affordable units and ensure all Ohioans have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes.