Philadelphia Seniors Struggle With Housing Costs as They Age

Homeowners and renters alike face affordability challenges on fixed incomes

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A majority of Philadelphia seniors are homeowners, but more than a third live at or below the federal poverty line, making it difficult for both homeowners and renters to find affordable housing options as they age. Some seniors are turning to each other for support, sharing expenses, while city and state leaders work to increase awareness of programs to help aging residents stay in their homes and communities.

Why it matters

As the population of Philadelphia continues to age, the issue of affordable housing for seniors has become increasingly pressing. The high cost burden for both homeowners and renters on fixed incomes highlights the need for more support and solutions to help seniors remain in their homes and communities as they get older.

The details

A Pew Charitable Trusts report found that the level of housing cost burden was 'far higher' for older renters compared to homeowners in Philadelphia. However, even seniors who own their homes can struggle with the costs of upkeep and repairs. Retired homeowner Edward T. Johnson, 66, said he knows many others in his situation cannot afford the expenses of maintaining their homes. To save money, Johnson has invited a longtime friend who had a stroke to come live with him, and they now share some of the daily living costs.

  • In November 2025, the Pew Charitable Trusts released a report on the housing cost burden for older Philadelphians.

The players

Edward T. Johnson

A 66-year-old retired homeowner in the Cecil B. Moore neighborhood of Philadelphia who has invited a longtime friend to live with him to share expenses.

Pew Charitable Trusts

A nonprofit organization that conducts research on issues affecting Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, including a recent report on the housing cost burden for older adults.

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What they’re saying

“If your house is paid for, that's one half of the battle. The other half is the upkeep. If they own a home, they can't pay for repairs, they cannot pay even if they have equity in their house, they cannot pay back the loans, then they are cash strapped.”

— Edward T. Johnson, Retired Homeowner (WHYY)

What’s next

City and state leaders are working to increase awareness about programs that can help aging residents stay in their homes and communities, but more solutions are needed to address the affordability challenges faced by both homeowners and renters.

The takeaway

Philadelphia's aging population is facing a housing affordability crisis, with both homeowners and renters struggling to cover the costs of housing on fixed incomes. This issue highlights the need for more support and innovative solutions to help seniors remain in their homes and communities as they get older.