In 2021, more than half of renters across the Central Coast were rent-burdened, meaning they spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Fifty-six percent of renter households in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties and 58 percent in Ventura County paid rent that left little for other necessities.

Rent burden fell more heavily on Latinx renters and immigrant households. Nearly 60 percent of Latinx renters in Ventura County were rent-burdened in 2021, compared to lower rates for white renters. In Santa Barbara County, 73 percent of undocumented renters were rent-burdened, compared to 54 percent of U.S.-born renters. Immigration status shapes housing options: undocumented residents face discrimination from landlords, cannot access federal housing assistance, and often work in industries that pay the lowest wages while housing costs the same for everyone.

Rent burden affects all racial and ethnic groups, but the rates reveal which communities carry the heaviest housing cost loads. When rent takes more than half your income, there is no cushion for emergencies, healthcare, or saving toward homeownership.

Insights & Analyses: Central Coast

• More than half of renter households in all three counties are rent burdened in 2021 meaning that they spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent. 
• About 56 percent of renter households in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County and 58 percent of renter households in Ventura County are rent burdened.
• Housing burden impacts all race/ethnicity groups across the county.