Rankings | Chamber of Commerce

Cities Where AI Threatens Employment the Most (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:19:32 +0000

From bank tellers and retail workers to software engineers and doctors, no line of work or type of business is entirely immune to artificial intelligence.

Despite AI’s potential to save employers on labor costs, increase productivity and spur overall economic growth, it can also lead to the disruption or loss of millions of jobs throughout the next several years.

In fact, the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that approximately 83 million jobs could be automated worldwide by 2027. The recent WEF study surveyed more than 800 companies, which employ 11.3 million workers across 45 countries, to gauge the fastest-growing and fastest-declining jobs. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs places the estimated number of job losses even higher at 300 million jobs.

But what might AI-related job losses look like in the United States and how many potential jobs could be affected? To answer this question, we analyzed U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, focusing on the top 10 most at-risk occupations from the WEF study, and determined the number of susceptible jobs in major metropolitan areas across the country.

Key findings

Administrative roles such as record-keeping and cashiers as well as accounting, bookkeeping, factory, and traditional security roles face the largest potential job losses due to AI.
Las Vegas, Miami, Louisville, Orlando, and Grand Rapids are home to the highest number of at-risk jobs.
Across the most populated 50 metropolitan areas, more than 10 million jobs fall into the category of “at-risk” occupations.

Where will AI replace the most jobs?

In terms of the top 10 most susceptible occupations, most of these roles are related to administration, such as cashiers, clerks, data entry, accounting, and bookkeeping. According to WEF estimates, more than 26 million record-keeping and administrative jobs could be eliminated by 2027.

Elsewhere, traditional security guards, housekeepers, bank tellers, retail sales, and door-to-door sales are also considered “at-risk” occupations, which have already been declining.

The decline of these occupations has been accelerated by technology and digitalization, which are two factors that will lead to continual job losses within these fields throughout the next five years.

Job losses are also accelerating with the recent introduction of generative AI technology such as Chat CPT, Bard, and DALL-E. According to WEF, this fast-growing technology could make tasks related to reasoning, communication, and coordinating more automatable in the coming years.

Our analysis included the total number of susceptible occupations within the top 50 most populated metropolitan areas across the country. Rankings were based on the percentage of potential job losses within each metro area.

Top five cities with the most at-risk jobs

#1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Total employed: 1,024,390
Number of at-risk jobs: 161,840
Percent of potential job losses: 15.80%

#2. Miami, Florida

Total employed: 2,623,770
Number of at-risk jobs: 393,920
Percent of potential job losses: 15.01%

#3. Louisville, Kentucky

Total employed: 643,330
Number of at-risk jobs: 96,420
Percent of potential job losses: 14.99%

#4. Orlando, Florida

Total employed: 1,297,460
Number of at-risk jobs: 190,000
Percent of potential job losses: 14.64%

#5. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Total employed: 549,710
Number of at-risk jobs: 79,910
Percent of potential job losses: 14.54%

Cities with the fastest declining jobs

Many of the nation’s most susceptible jobs have already been on the decline due to economic factors, digitalization, technology, or a combination.

We took a closer look at the fastest declining jobs in major metro areas by analyzing BLS occupational employment data. Our analysis looked at more than 800 occupations and compared the number of job losses and gains for each of those occupations from 2018 to 2023.

Even though technology such as AI will undoubtedly change and disrupt the workplace for years to come, it’s important to remember that this new technology is also estimated to create more than 69 million jobs worldwide by 2027, according to WEF.

Roles such as data analysts, scientists, machine learning specialists and cybersecurity experts could grow as much as 30% within the next five years. And according to management consulting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers, global GDP could grow $15 trillion by 2030 due to AI and robotics.

It’s easy to let the fear of the unknown seep in when it comes to AI, but using AI to your advantage could not only protect your job or business, but it could also help it grow.

Whether you’re an employee or a small business owner, taking the right steps now to learn AI and adapt it within your daily work routine can help you properly prepare for the future.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we considered the most at-risk occupations according to data from the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2023.” These occupations include accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll clerks; administrative and executive secretaries; assembly and factory workers; bank tellers and related clerks; building caretakers and housekeepers; business services and administration managers; cashiers and ticket clerks; client information and customer service workers; data entry clerks; door-to-door sales workers; news and street vendors, and related workers; security guards; material recording and stock-keeping clerks; postal service clerks; retail salespersons and telemarketers.

Using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data, we then analyzed employment numbers for these occupations within the 50 most populated metropolitan areas. Potential job loss estimates are based on the percentage of at-risk jobs within each metro area.

To find each metro area’s top three fastest declining jobs, we compared BLS employment numbers across more than 800 occupations from May 2018 to May 2023.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, World Economic Forum, Goldman Sachs, PriceWaterhouseCoopers

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States with the Most Student Loan Debt (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 09:41:25 +0000

After more than three years of being put on pause, student loan payments are set to resume on Oct. 1, 2023.

Tens of millions of borrowers will now need to rearrange their monthly budget in order to account for payments, but which states have the highest amount of student loan debt?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 43.6 million Americans across the country have federal student loan debt, amounting to more than $1.64 trillion.

Among those who have federal student loans, nearly 70% (28 million) owe $10,000 or more, while 25% (10.3 million) owe $40,000 or more.

To determine the average student loan debt as well as student loan debt by age group, we conducted an analysis of outstanding balances on student loans across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Key findings

One-quarter of borrowers (10.3 million) owe $40,000 or more in federal student loans.
The average federal student loan debt is $37,717.
Since 2020, the nationwide amount of federal student loan debt has increased by $102 billion, and the number of borrowers has increased from 42.6 million to 43.6 million in 2023.
Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Georgia; Virginia and Florida have the highest average student loan debt in the nation.

Which states have the most student loan debt in 2023?

Since March 2020, when student loan payments were put on hold, federal student loan debt has seen a significant increase of $102 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Washington, D.C. takes the top spot in the nation for the highest average student loan debt. Borrowers in the nation’s capital owe an average of $54,856.

In Maryland, the state’s 808,600 borrowers face an average debt of $42,666, while borrowers in Georgia owe an average of $40,438.

Borrowers in Virginia and Florida round out the top five, with an average debt of $38,679 and $37,848, respectively.

Top five states with the most student loan debt

#1. Washington, D.C.

Total Debt: $6.1 billion
Number of Borrowers: 111,200
Average Debt Per Borrower: $54,856

#2. Maryland

Total Debt: $34.5 billion
Number of Borrowers: 808,600
Average Debt Per Borrower: $42,666

#3. Georgia

Total Debt: $65 billion
Number of Borrowers: 1,607,400
Average Debt Per Borrower: $40,438

#4. Virginia

Total Debt: $41 billion
Number of Borrowers: 1,607,400
Average Debt Per Borrower: $38,679

#5. Florida

Total Debt: $95.8 billion
Number of Borrowers: 2,531,200
Average Debt Per Borrower: $37,848

Nationwide, the average student loan debt is $37,717. Out of the 43.6 million Americans carrying student loan debt, roughly 9.1 million borrowers owe between $20,000 and $40,000. However, a significant number of borrowers, 3 million, owe $100,000 or more.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, borrowers who attended public colleges and universities (23 million) owe $654.5 billion in student loan debt, while those who attended private schools (11.9 million) owe $506.9 billion in student loan debt.

Student loan debt by age

Student loan debt not only varies based on school type and location, but also among different age groups.

For individuals aged 24 or younger, the average student loan debt is $14,296. However, this amount more than doubles to $32,223 for those aged 25 to 34. It increases to $45,703 for those between the ages of 35 to 49.

Surprisingly, even seniors face the burden of student loan debt. In fact, more than 112 million seniors aged 62 and over owe an average of $45,636. Average student loan debt is highest for seniors living in Vermont ($55,556) and lowest for those who live in West Virginia ($36,082).

Regardless of age or location, student loan payments will resume this fall for tens of millions of Americans. It’s important for borrowers to start rearranging their monthly budgets now in order to prepare for repayments as interest will start to add up on any unpaid loans.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed federal student loan debt balances in all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico via the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Student Loan Portfolio. Data were also included for borrowers who did not include a current address as well as for borrowers living outside of the U.S. states or territories listed within the report. This federal student loan portfolio includes Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), and Perkins Loans with outstanding balances.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Loan Portfolio

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Cities With the Most New Homes (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:49:50 +0000

For house-hunting Americans, the supply is limited.

Due to a tight housing market for existing homes, the demand for new home construction is growing as homebuyers seek more options.

But which cities have the most new home construction in 2023?

To get a better sense of the current market for new homes, we analyzed building permit data for new residential construction from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Our analysis looked at the number of building permits for privately‐owned housing units in more than 200 of the largest metropolitan areas across the country.

Key findings

With 23,062 new residential home permits issued this year, the Houston metropolitan area tops the list.
Along with Houston, several other Texas metro areas rank within the top 20, including Dallas-Fort Worth (No. 2); Austin (No. 7), and San Antonio (No. 18).
The number of permits for new home construction is down 21.1 percent year-over-year.
Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Honolulu have seen the largest year-over-year declines in new home construction permits. Meanwhile, Miami, Louisville, and Tampa have seen the largest increases.

Which cities have the most new home construction in 2023?

Compared to this time last year, the number of permits for new home construction is down 21.1 percent, according to the Census Bureau and HUD.

But even though new home construction is down nationwide year-over-year, metro areas such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York City, Phoenix and Atlanta are home to the most new home construction in 2023.

In Houston, more than 23,000 permits for new homes have been issued this year, while Dallas has seen more than 20,000. Both of these cities have been averaging more than 5,000 new home construction permits per month.

These new home construction permits represent both single-family homes and multi-unit residential homes such as apartment complexes and condominiums. Houston ranks No. 1 for new single-family home construction with 15,391 homes, while New York City tops the list for multi-unit residential homes with 10,155.

Top five cities with the most new home construction

#1. Houston, TX

Average monthly new home permits in 2023: 5,766
New single-family homes: 15,391
Multi-unit residential homes: 7,671
Total new homes in 2023: 23,062

#2. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Average monthly new home permits in 2023: 5,156
New single-family homes: 12,738
Multi-unit residential homes: 7,887
Total new homes in 2023: 20,625

#3. New York, NY

Average monthly new home permits in 2023: 3,552
New single-family homes: 4,053
Multi-unit residential homes: 10,155
Total new homes in 2023: 14,208

#4. Phoenix, AZ

Average monthly new home permits in 2023: 3,459
New single-family homes: 6,597
Multi-unit residential homes: 7,238
Total new homes in 2023: 13,835

#5. Atlanta, GA

Average monthly new home permits in 2023: 3,294
New single-family homes: 7,385
Multi-unit residential homes: 5,790
Total new homes in 2023: 13,175

Largest declines in new home construction

Numerous factors such as limited inventory in the existing home market, high mortgage rates, and supply chain issues have created a bottleneck for new home construction.

Several cities across the country have experienced larger declines in new home construction compared to others. For example, permits for new homes in the Kansas City metro area are down two-thirds (66.1%) year-over-year.

Elsewhere, new home permits in the Milwaukee metro area are down 50.6%, while Honolulu has also seen a 50% drop compared to this time last year.

Among the 56 largest metro areas in the country with a population of one million or more, only nine have seen a year-over-year increase, including Miami (35.5%); Louisville (20.5%); Tampa (17.5%); Portland (14.2%), Cincinnati (12.8%); Riverside (9.7%); Nashville (6.8%); Baltimore (5.8%) and Grand Rapids (1.3%)

It remains to be seen whether new home construction will catch up with the current demand, but it’s clear that some cities are experiencing a building boom when it comes to new homes.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed new home construction permits across 225 metropolitan areas via data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Metro areas were ranked based on the total number of permits for privately-owned residential housing units in 2023. These units include both single-family homes as well as multi-unit residential units such as apartments and condominiums. Data for this study includes new home construction permits issued from January through April 2023, which is the most recent data available as of June 1, 2023.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Housing and Urban Development

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Average Income Needed to Afford Rent (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Tue, 30 May 2023 11:28:27 +0000

“Why is rent so high?”

It’s a question renters across the country have been asking themselves as the nationwide median rent climbs to $1,967 per month, according to data from Zumper.

Factors such as a lack of housing inventory and high mortgage rates have driven up rental costs across the country, which has left renters with limited options when it comes to finding affordable housing.

So, how much do Americans actually need to earn in order to afford rent in 2023?

We took a closer look at the true cost of rent in cities across the country by determining how much yearly income is needed in order to afford a one-bedroom rental in each city. Our analysis included the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment as well as the median income in more than 120 cities.

From there, we used a rent-to-income ratio of 30% in order to determine how much Americans would need to earn to afford rent without spending more than 30% of their income on rent. A rent-to-income ratio determines the monthly or annual gross income a tenant should earn to afford rent each month.

Key findings

The income needed to rent a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is twice as high as the city’s median income. The median income for women in New York would need to increase by roughly $76,624 per year in order to afford rent for a one bedroom.
Miami is home to the largest rent-to-income gap. Renters would need to earn $120,000 per year for a one-bedroom apartment, which is $78,713 higher than the city’s median income.
Laredo, Texas; Toledo, Ohio and Wichita, Kansas are the top three most affordable cities on our list. Renters in these cities would only need to earn less than $28,000 per year to afford rent.

Cities with the highest incomes needed to afford rent

More than one-third (34.6%) of households in the U.S. rent homes, according to the Census Bureau. Depending on the city they live in, many of these renters are facing payments of more than $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. In fact, 46 cities within our analysis have a median rent of $1,500 or more, while 32 cities have a median rent of $2,000 or more.

According to our analysis, renters would need to earn $60,000 or more in order to afford rent within these cities.

However, the top seven most expensive cities on our list require a median income of at least $100,000 or more in order to afford a one-bedroom rental.

Top five cities with the highest incomes needed to afford rent

#1. New York, New York

Median Rent for One Bedroom: $3,495
Median Income: $65,317
Income Needed for One Bedroom: $139,800

New York City tops the list of cities in our analysis. Renters need to earn an average of $139,800 per year in order to afford a one-bedroom unit in The Big Apple. Based on the current median rent ($3,495), renters in New York can expect to pay an average of $41,940 per year on rent, according to our analysis.

#2. Miami, Florida

Median Rent for One Bedroom: $3,000
Median Income: $41,287
Income Needed for One Bedroom: $120,000

For those looking to rent a one-bedroom unit in Miami, they can expect to pay $36,000 per year, which means renters would need to earn roughly $120,000 per year if they want to avoid paying more than 30% of their income on rent. That’s $78,713 more than the current median income in Miami, which is $41,287.

#3. San Francisco, California

Median Rent for One Bedroom: $3,000
Median Income: $103,978
Income Needed for One Bedroom: $120,000

Six out of 10 cities on our top 10 list are located in California, but nowhere in the Golden State is more expensive for renters than San Francisco. The average one-bedroom rental in San Francisco runs for $3,000 per month, which means renters would need to earn $120,000 per year in order to avoid spending more than 30% of their income on rent.

#4. Irvine, California

Median Rent for One Bedroom: $2,718
Median Income: $91,246
Income Needed for One Bedroom: $108,720

We head south to Orange County, California to find the fourth most expensive city for renters. The yearly cost for a one-bedroom rental in Irvine will set renters back $32,616 per year, or $2,718 per month. In order to afford rent in Irvine, renters need to earn at least $108,720 per year, which is $17,474 less than the median income.

#5. Boston, Massachusetts

Median Rent for One Bedroom: $2,650
Median Income: $72,077
Income Needed for One Bedroom: $106,000

With a median rent of $2,650, $31,800 per year, Boston takes the fifth spot on the list. Renters in Boston would need to take home at least $106,000 per year in order to avoid spending more than 30% of their income on rent.

Cities with the largest rent-to-income gaps

Along with analyzing the cities with the highest incomes needed to afford rent, we also looked at cities with the largest rent-to-income gaps.

These cities have the largest gaps between the current median income and the income needed to afford a one-bedroom apartment.

It might not come as a surprise, but Miami and New York City top the list. Renters in these cities would need to earn at least $75,000 more than the median income in order to afford the median rent.

Elsewhere, those living in Hialeah, Florida would need to earn at least $47,531 more per year, while those living in Oxnard, California would need to bring in an additional $44,049 per year.

Whether you’re considering a move to a new apartment within your city or relocating to a new state, it’s important to keep the 30% rule in mind when budgeting for a new place to live.

The cost of living can also affect what you can and can’t afford, so be sure to keep these factors in mind before signing a new lease.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed median rent for one-bedroom rentals as well as median earnings for full-time, year-round workers in the most populated 120 census-defined places via the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Cities included in the analysis have a population of at least 200,000. We then calculated the average income needed to afford rent based on the current median rent for a one-bedroom rental as of May 2023. We considered a rent-to-income ratio of 30% within our calculations. According to The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), households spending more than 30% of their gross income on housing are considered cost burdened. HUD recommends a rent-to-income ratio of no more than 30%.

Sources: Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Zumper

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Cities With the Most Expensive Airbnb Rentals (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Fri, 05 May 2023 09:20:12 +0000

Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, a business trip, or working remotely on a workcation, Airbnb has become a go-to option for short-term travel accommodations. And even though short-term rentals offer convenience, expenses for Airbnb rentals can quickly add up and bust your travel budget.

Between cleaning fees, service fees, and taxes, the daily rate for an Airbnb can easily soar to hundreds of dollars.

But which cities are the most expensive for Airbnb customers?

In order to find out, we analyzed data from more than 160,000 listings located within the largest cities across the country. Our analysis included the average daily rate for a rental in each city as well as the number of listings in each city per 100,000 residents.

Key findings

Cities in California and Arizona dominate the list of the top 25 most expensive markets for Airbnb rentals. Overall, California is home to seven of the top 25 most expensive markets and Arizona is home to five.
Oxnard, California; Scottsdale, Arizona and Austin, Texas are the top three most expensive cities to rent an Airbnb.
Miami, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona and St. Petersburg, Florida have the most active Airbnb listings per 100,000 residents.

Which cities have the most expensive Airbnb rentals?

When it comes to the priciest Airbnb rentals, look no further than California’s Pacific coast. An average night at an Airbnb in Oxnard, California will set travelers back nearly $500. A two-bedroom rental costs an average of $273, while a three-bedroom in Oxnard is $405.

Overall, several California cities are home to the most expensive Airbnb rentals, which probably isn’t much of a surprise considering the Golden State has some of the most expensive real estate in the country.

Other expensive Airbnb destinations within California include San Diego, which ranks 8th ($295), Santa Clarita, which ranks 9th ($292), and Huntington Beach, which ranks 10th ($287).

Arizona’s metro Phoenix area is also a hot spot for expensive Airbnb rentals. Scottsdale ranks 2nd ($394), while nearby Glendale ranks 12th ($282) and the city of Phoenix ranks 13th ($282).

Top five cities with the most expensive Airbnb rentals

#1. Oxnard, California

Avg. Daily Rate: $488
Avg. Rate for One Bedroom: $110
Avg. Rate for Two Bedroom: $273
Avg. Rate for Three Bedroom: $405
Listings Per 100,000: 95

#2. Scottsdale, Arizona

Avg. Daily Rate: $394
Avg. Rate for One Bedroom: $114
Avg. Rate for Two Bedroom: $151
Avg. Rate for Three Bedroom: $264
Listings Per 100,000: 1,370

#3. Austin, Texas

Avg. Daily Rate: $373
Avg. Rate for One Bedroom: $127
Avg. Rate for Two Bedroom: $203
Avg. Rate for Three Bedroom: $297
Listings Per 100,000: 606

#4. Las Vegas, Nevada

Avg. Daily Rate: $360
Avg. Rate for One Bedroom: $106
Avg. Rate for Two Bedroom: $187
Avg. Rate for Three Bedroom: $221
Listings Per 100,000: 801

#5. Honolulu, Hawaii

Avg. Daily Rate: $315
Avg. Rate for One Bedroom: $167
Avg. Rate for Two Bedroom: $346
Avg. Rate for Three Bedroom: $389
Listings Per 100,000: 940

Cities with the most Airbnb listings

Along with analyzing the most expensive cities for Airbnb rentals, we also took a look at which cities offer the largest number of listings per 100,000 residents.

Overall, Miami tops the list of cities with the most active Airbnb listings. The city offers more than 1,400 Airbnb listings per 100,000.

Elsewhere, Scottsdale comes in at No. 2 with 1,369 listings, followed by St. Petersburg, Florida (1,274); Orlando, Florida (1,252) and New Orleans, Louisiana (1,035).

Airbnb can provide convenient accommodation but be sure to budget carefully depending on where you plan to stay. Remember to keep in mind that fees for cleaning as well as taxes can be tacked-on to the final cost and drive-up expenses.

When booking your trip, consider avoiding travel dates during major holidays and try staying outside of large tourist destinations in order to save on expenses.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed more than 160,000 Airbnb cities in the most populated 115 census-defined places via the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and Airbnb listing data. The average daily rate included listings for studios and up to five or more bedrooms. Data for the number of Airbnb listings in each city only includes active Airbnb listings as of April 2023.

Sources: Airbnb, U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey

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Cities With the Most House Poor Homeowners (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 15:34:17 +0000

Many homeowners across the country have found themselves stuck in homes they can’t afford.

Whether it’s due to high interest rates or simply choosing to live beyond their means, homeowners spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs are considered “house poor.”

The “30% rule” is a popular standard for budgeting, which advises homeowners to avoid spending more than 30% of their income on housing expenses. But for many homeowners, it’s not an easy rule to follow.

These cost-burdened homeowners have found themselves facing budget-busting housing expenses such as monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance and utilities.

In order to get a better understanding of where homeowners are living beyond their means, we analyzed monthly housing costs and median household income from more than 9 million households across the country via the U.S. Census Bureau.

Our analysis looked at the number of homeowners with a mortgage who spend more than 30% of their household income on housing costs.

Key Findings

Miami, Los Angeles and New York City are the top three cities with the most homeowners living beyond their means. More than 4 in 10 homeowners are considered to be “house poor” in these cities.
Cities located in Florida and California dominate the list of top 30 cities. Overall, six cities within the top 30 are in Florida and 14 are located in California.
Nationwide, 27.4% of homeowners are considered “house poor.”

Which Cities Have the Most “House Poor” Homeowners?

Nearly 3 in 10, or 27.4% of U.S. homeowners with a mortgage are considered to be cost-burdened with housing expenses, according to the Census Bureau. Overall, 21% of cost-burdened homeowners have a household income of less than $75,000.

However, the number of cost-burdened homeowners living in the Miami metropolitan area far exceeds the national average. Overall, nearly 60% of homeowners living in Hialeah, Florida are living beyond their means, according to the Census.

Elsewhere, 44% of homeowners living in nearby Miami are cost-burdened. Los Angeles ranks No. 2, with 48.7% of homeowners considered cost-burdened, followed by New York City (45.3%).

Top Five Cities With the Most House Poor Homeowners

#1. Hialeah, Florida

Percentage of House Poor Homeowners: 59.3%
Number of House Poor Households: 10,918
Median Household Income: $64,386
Median Monthly Household Costs: $1,632
Median Yearly Household Costs: $19,584

#2. Los Angeles, California

Percentage of House Poor Homeowners: 48.7%
Number of House Poor Households: 179,821
Median Household Income: $122,032
Median Monthly Household Costs: $2,972
Median Yearly Household Costs: $35,664

#3. New York City, New York

Percentage of House Poor Homeowners: 45.3%
Number of House Poor Households: 272,355
Median Household Income: $120,618
Median Monthly Household Costs: $2,848
Median Yearly Household Costs: $34,176

#4. Miami, Florida

Percentage of House Poor Homeowners: 44.6%
Number of House Poor Households: 14,565
Median Household Income: $92,897
Median Monthly Household Costs: $2,308
Median Yearly Household Costs: $27,696

#5. Hollywood, Florida

Percentage of House Poor Homeowners: 44.3%
Number of House Poor Households: 10,180
Median Household Income: $98,131
Median Monthly Household Costs: $2,039
Median Yearly Household Costs: $24,468

Cities With the Most Budget-Minded Homeowners

Our analysis also took a look at cities with the most budget-minded homeowners. Not only do the majority of homeowners in these cities live by the 30% rule, but they go above and beyond it by spending less than 20% of their income on housing expenses.

For example, nearly two-thirds of homeowners in Huntsville, Alabama spends less than 20% of their income on housing costs. Nationwide, less than half of homeowners (47%) spend less than 20% of their income on housing expenses.

Elsewhere, nearly 60% of homeowners in Raleigh, North Carolina are budget-minded homeowners, followed by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (59.3%).

When it comes to owning a home, it’s always best to expect the unexpected.

Monthly housing expenses can build up and quickly eat away at your budget, especially when it comes to mortgages with high interest rates, second mortgages and property taxes.

While the 30% rule can help you gauge how much household income to set aside each month for housing costs, it’s also a good idea to speak with a financial advisor before purchasing a home. Mapping out your mortgage budget in advance can be the difference between being a “house poor” or a “budget-minded” homeowner.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed median household income and median monthly housing costs across more than 9 million households located in the most populated 170 census-defined places via the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Cities were ranked based on the percentage of homeowners who spend more than 30% of their household income on monthly housing costs. The Census Bureau defines monthly housing costs as the sum of payments for mortgages, deeds of trust, contracts to purchase, or similar debts on the property (including payments for the first mortgage, second mortgages, home equity loans, and other junior mortgages); real estate taxes; fire, hazard, and flood insurance on the property; utilities (electricity, gas, and water and sewer); and fuels (oil, coal, kerosene, wood, etc.).

It also includes any applicable monthly condominium fees for condominiums, mobile home costs (personal property taxes, site rent, registration fees, and license fees). Selected monthly owner costs were tabulated for all owner-occupied units for units with a mortgage.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey

Fair Use: Feel free to use this data and research with proper attribution linking to this study.

Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, contact media@thisisnoble.co

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Cities With the Most Self-Employed Workers (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:00:03 +0000

One-person businesses are on the rise.

The number of self-employed workers has increased by nearly one million (988,418) since 2016, according to the Census Bureau.

Whether they’re designers, consultants, plumbers or painters, there are nearly 16 million self-employed workers among the more than 156 million workers in the United States.

For many, self-employment provides a gateway to entrepreneurship, more flexible work hours, and the opportunity to be their own boss.

But which cities are home to the most self-employed workers?

We analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data in 170 of the most populated cities across the country in order to determine which cities have the highest percentage of self-employed within the workforce.

Key findings

Cities within Florida dominate the top 10 list of cities with the most self-employed workers. Overall, six out of the top 10 cities are all located in Florida, and the top 3 are all located within the Miami metropolitan area.
Among the 170 cities on our list, there are only 16 cities where self-employed females outweigh the number of self-employed males.
The average nationwide income for self-employed workers is $54,232, which is $107 higher than the nationwide median income for all workers ($54,339).

Which cities have the most self-employed workers?

Florida dominates the list of cities with the most self-employed workers, specifically in Miami-Dade County, which is home to the most cities within the list of top 10.

In the city of Miami, nearly 19% (or 43,536) workers are self-employed. In nearby Hialeah, Florida, the percentage of self-employed workers is 20%, which makes it the No. 1 city on the list.

Elsewhere, Los Angeles ranks within the top five. Nearly 16% (297,479) of its workforce identify as self-employed. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles suburb of Glendale ranks No. 7 on the list. Among the top 30 cities, 12 are located within California.

Top five cities with the most self-employed workers

#1. Hialeah, Florida

Percent of Workforce Self-Employed: 20.3%
Number of Self-Employed: 21,900
Percent of Self-Employed – Females: 33.2%
Percent of Self-Employed – Males: 66.8%
Average Income of Self-Employed: $31,570

#2 Miami, Florida

Percent of Workforce Self-Employed: 18.9%
Number of Self-Employed: 43,536
Percent of Self-Employed – Females: 41.1%
Percent of Self-Employed – Males: 58.9%
Average Income of Self-Employed: $46,046

#3 Hollywood, Florida

Percent of Workforce Self-Employed: 18.0%
Number of Self-Employed: 13,806
Percent of Self-Employed – Females: 28.9%
Percent of Self-Employed – Males: 71.1%
Average Income of Self-Employed: $50,661

#4 Cape Coral, Florida

Percent of Workforce Self-Employed: 16.2%
Number of Self-Employed: 15,964
Percent of Self-Employed – Females: 40.4%
Percent of Self-Employed – Males: 59.6%
Average Income of Self-Employed: $42,730

#5 Los Angeles, California

Percent of Workforce Self-Employed: 15.9%
Number of Self-Employed: 297,479
Percent of Self-Employed – Females: 38.0%
Percent of Self-Employed – Males: 62.0%
Average Income of Self-Employed: $61,171

Where do self-employed workers earn more than the median income?

Along with looking at cities with the highest percentage of self-employed workers, our analysis also examined income levels for those who are self-employed.

Overall, there are 89 cities across the U.S. where self-employed workers earn more than the median income.

The largest income gap can be found in Amarillo, Texas. The median income in Amarillo is slightly above $47,000, but the average income for self-employed workers is $110,625, which is more than $63,000 higher. Among the city’s working population, 9.7% are self-employed, which is roughly 9,385.

Elsewhere on the list, Modesto, California is another city where self-employed workers out-earn the median income. On average, self-employed workers in Modesto earn $46,729 more than the median income. Cincinnati ranks 3rd ($30,914); Knoxville ranks 4th ($24,758) and Chattanooga ranks 5th ($23,167) for cities where self-employed workers make more than the median income.

Cities with the most self-employed women

Nationwide, only 8.3% of all females within the workforce are self-employed, but there are several cities across the country where a large percentage of the female workforce is self-employed.

Topping the list is Miami, Florida (17.1%), followed by Hialeah, Florida (14.4%); Huntington Beach, California (14%); Cape Coral, Florida (13.6%) and Oakland, California (13.2%).

Starting a business may seem like a daunting task, but not everyone looking to leave their job has to run a massive corporation or large business. Self-employment provides a middle-ground for those looking to run their own business while maintaining a work-life balance.

Whether you’re looking to start an LLC or a sole proprietorship, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to starting your own business. But be sure to map out your goals and write down a business plan first. Putting the right pieces in place before you go off on your own can help turn your dream of self-employment into a tangible goal.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed the class of workers among those employed ages 16 and older in the most populated 170 census-defined places via the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. We then analyzed median earnings for workers ages 16 and older. Data for self-employed workers include both self-employed working in incorporated businesses as well as unincorporated businesses. We compared the median income for those within both incorporated and unincorporated businesses in order to find the average income for self-employed workers. In order to determine which cities have the most self-employed women, we calculated the percent of all females within the workforce who are self-employed.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey

Fair Use: Feel free to use this data and research with proper attribution linking to this study.

Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, contact media@thisisnoble.co

The post Cities With the Most Self-Employed Workers (2023) first appeared on Chamber of Commerce.

Cities with the Largest Gender Pay Gaps (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:43:51 +0000

Despite decades of advocacy for equal pay, the pay gap between men and women in the United States still remains wide.

Overall, full-time, year-round working women earn about 82% of what their male counterparts earn. The gap is even wider among full-time workers with a bachelor’s degree (70%), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In order to gain a better understanding of where gender pay gaps are the largest, we took a closer look at earnings in cities across the country as well as all 50 states.

Our analysis looked at earnings for full-time, year-round workers within the most populated 170 cities in the United States. We also compared earnings among those over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree.

Key findings

The Silicon Valley city of Sunnyvale, California has the largest pay gap in the country, with an earnings difference of $40,584 between men and women.
California cities dominate the top 10 list of cities with the largest pay gaps, including Sunnyvale (No. 1); Huntington Beach (No. 6); Fremont (No. 7); Irvine (No. 9), and San Francisco (No. 10).
In terms of states with the largest pay gaps, Wyoming ranks No. 1, with an earnings difference of $18,877 between men and women. On average, the pay gap in Wyoming has increased $2,376 per year since 2017.

Which cities have the largest gender pay gaps?

Nationwide, the pay gap between men and women is about $11,165. Full-time, year-round working men earn an average of $60,428 while their female counterparts earn $49,263.

However, in Sunnyvale, California, the pay gap is $40,584, which is more than three-and-a-half times the nationwide average.

Top five cities with largest gender pay gaps

#1. Sunnyvale, California

Median Earnings: Men – $143,664
Median Earnings: Women – $103,080
Pay Gap: $40,584
Median Earnings: Men with Bachelor’s Degree – $133,086
Median Earnings: Women with Bachelor’s Degree – $90,421
Pay Gap with Bachelor’s Degree: $42,665

#2. Frisco, Texas

Median Earnings: Men – $111,458
Median Earnings: Women – $71,599
Pay Gap: $39,859
Median Earnings: Men with Bachelor’s Degree – $123,775
Median Earnings: Women with Bachelor’s Degree – $57,389
Pay Gap with Bachelor’s Degree: $66,386

#3. Cary, North Carolina

Median Earnings: Men – $103,944
Median Earnings: Women – $64,453
Pay Gap: $39,491
Median Earnings: Men with Bachelor’s Degree – $110,765
Median Earnings: Women with Bachelor’s Degree – $58,587
Pay Gap with Bachelor’s Degree: $52,178

#4. Scottsdale, Arizona

Median Earnings: Men – $95,611
Median Earnings: Women – $63,769
Pay Gap: $31,842
Median Earnings: Men with Bachelor’s Degree – $98,259
Median Earnings: Women with Bachelor’s Degree – $60,768
Pay Gap with Bachelor’s Degree: $37,491

#5. McKinney, Texas

Median Earnings: Men – $90,401
Median Earnings: Women – $61,386
Pay Gap: $29,015
Median Earnings: Men with Bachelor’s Degree – $103,300
Median Earnings: Women with Bachelor’s Degree – $62,131
Pay Gap with Bachelor’s Degree: $41,169

Largest gender pay gaps: Bachelor’s degrees

When it comes to those who are 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree, the nationwide pay gap between men and women is $22,326, which is twice as high as the total gender pay gap in the U.S. ($11,165). On average, men with a bachelor’s degree earn $73,592, while women earn $51,266.

The Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Frisco, Texas has the largest pay gap among men and women with a bachelor’s degree. Overall, men in Frisco with a four-year degree earn $123,775, while women with a four-year degree earn $57,389, according to Census data. This is a staggering difference of $66,386.

Meanwhile, the smallest pay gaps among those with a four-year degree can be found in Rancho Cucamonga, California ($78); Port St. Lucie, Florida ($171) and Ontario, California ($255).

Elsewhere, there are only three cities where women with a four-year degree earn more than their male counterparts, including Modesto, California ($403); Santa Ana, California ($5,307) and Fort Lauderdale, Florida ($10,806).

Which states have the largest gender pay gaps?

Among all 50 states, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Utah, Washington and Louisiana have the top five largest gender pay gaps. In Wyoming, the median earnings for men is $59,853, while the median earnings for women is $40,976, which is a difference of $18,877.

New Hampshire ranks second with an earnings gap of $16,686, followed by Utah ($16,562); Washington ($16,501) and Louisiana ($14,942).

As far as states with the smallest gender pay gaps, Vermont ranks No. 1 with a difference of $3,872, followed by Alaska ($6,849); Nevada ($7,492); New York ($7,643) and Arkansas ($7,803).

However, the pay gap among those with a four-year degree in those same states is considerably higher. In Vermont, the pay gap among those with a four-year degree is $9,608, followed by Alaska ($18,478); Nevada ($13,096); New York ($14,616) and Arkansas ($19,817).

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed median earnings for full-time, year-round workers in the most populated 170 census-defined places via the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. We then analyzed median earnings for full-time, year-round workers ages 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree. The same datasets were also analyzed in order to determine the earnings gap in all 50 states.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey

Fair Use: Feel free to use this data and research with proper attribution linking to this study.

Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, contact media@thisisnoble.co

The post Cities with the Largest Gender Pay Gaps (2023) first appeared on Chamber of Commerce.

Cities With the Most Tax Day Procrastinators (2023)

Chamber of Commerce Team — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 05:50:24 +0000

Let’s face it, most people don’t look forward to filing their taxes every year.

The process of tax filing can be complicated, overwhelming, and time-consuming, so it’s no surprise that many Americans may want to drag their feet and wait until the last minute to file.

In fact, our nationwide survey shows that nearly one-third (31%) of Americans procrastinate during tax season. But which cities are home to the biggest procrastinators when it comes to filing taxes before the Tax Day deadline?

In order to find out, we surveyed Americans and analyzed Google search volume related to filing taxes late in more than 170 cities across the country. Our analysis included terms such as “can you file your taxes late?”, “file tax extension,” “missed tax deadline,” “penalty for late taxes,” and other keyword variations.

Our “Tax Day procrastination” study also gathered feedback from Americans on their experiences with tax filing, why they procrastinate on their taxes, and what type of tax refund they expect to receive in 2023.

Key Findings

31% of Americans say they procrastinate and wait until the last minute to file their taxes.
Nearly one-quarter (24%) expect their refund to be less than what they received last year.
69% don’t know that Tax Day falls on April 18 this year.
Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida and Salt Lake City, Utah are home to the most Tax Day procrastinators.

Tax Day 2023: Which Cities Procrastinate the Most on Tax Filing?

Our analysis looked at search volume related to filing taxes late in more than 170 cities with a population of 150,000 or more across the country. Overall, Florida is home to three of the top 10 cities with the most Tax Day procrastinators. Orlando was ranked No. 2, while Miami ranked No. 4, and Fort Lauderdale came in at No. 5.

Among the top 50 cities, Florida and California are tied with the most appearances within our analysis. Both states have five cities within the top 50. Elsewhere, four Texas cities cracked the top 50, including Austin (No. 11), Dallas (No. 29), Frisco (No. 34), and Houston (No. 49).

Tennessee and Washington were also home to three cities with the most Tax Day procrastinators.

Why Americans Procrastinate on Filing Taxes

Overall, nearly one-third (31%) of Americans say they wait until the last minute to file their taxes. Among all age demographics, Gen Z are most likely to put off filing their taxes, according to respondents. 41% of Gen Z respondents say they wait until the last minute to file. Baby Boomers were the least likely to procrastinate on filing their taxes, with only 21% of Baby Boomer respondents saying they wait until the last minute.

The top reason Americans hold off on filing is because they find the process to be too complicated and stressful (48%). Meanwhile, 39% say they want to take time to double-check their information and make sure everything is correct, while 37% say filing taxes is just too time-consuming, so they put it off until the final hour.

Tax Day 2023: Refunds

Nearly one-quarter (24%) of Americans expect their tax refund to be smaller compared to what they received last year, and only 18% expect their refund to be larger.

On average, $1,560 is roughly the amount of refund respondents say they expect to receive this year. How does that compare to what Americans received in 2022? According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the average refund in 2022 was $3,176, while the average in 2021 was $2,791.

Two-in-ten say they plan to spend their tax refund as soon as they receive it. Meanwhile, 28% say they don’t expect to receive a refund at all this year.

When is Tax Day 2023?

It’s one thing to procrastinate on filing your taxes, but it’s another to completely miss the Tax Day deadline altogether. An overwhelming majority of respondents did not know that Tax Day falls on April 18, 2023, instead of April 15 this year. Procrastinators will have a few extra days to file this year due to the weekend and the District of Columbia’s Emancipation Day holiday, which is Monday, April 17.

Even though there’s some extra time to file this year, it’s always a good idea to get the tax filing process started as soon as you can.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed more than 170 census-defined places with a population of 150,000 or more via the U.S. Census Bureau. We then analyzed Google search volume in each city for terms and keywords related to filing taxes late, such as “can you file your taxes late?”, “file tax extension,” “missed tax deadline,” “penalty for late taxes,” and other variations. The total search volume was then calculated per capita and ranked per 100,000 people in each city.

In January 2023, we surveyed 1,000 Americans to ask them about their experience with filing taxes. 49% of respondents were male, 48% were female, and 3% were non-binary/non-conforming. The average age was 38. Income: Under $20-$40K (43%); $40,001-$60K (20%); $60,001-$80K (13%); $80,001-$100K (8%); $100,001 or over (16%).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Internal Revenue Service

Fair Use: Feel free to use this data and research with proper attribution linking to this study.

Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, contact media@thisisnoble.co

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Data Reveals Loneliest Cities in America

Chamber of Commerce Team — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 10:40:00 +0000

Whether it’s your neighbor, a relative, or a coworker, there’s a good chance you know someone who lives alone. In fact, more than 36 million Americans, or 29% of all U.S. households, are one-person households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

And the trend of living solo shows no signs of slowing down as major life milestones such as marriage are being put on hold. In 2022, the average age to marry was 30.1 for men and 28.2 for women. But which cities are home to the most people who live alone, and where has living alone seen the biggest increase?

In order to find America’s “loneliest” cities, we analyzed Census Bureau data across more than 170 cities with a population of at least 150,000.

Which Cities are the Loneliest in America?

#1 Washington, D.C.

If you’re looking to find the loneliest place in America, look no further than the nation’s capital.

According to Census Bureau data, there are 319,565 households in Washington, D.C. Of those, nearly half (48.2%) are one-person households. Overall, 154,140 residents live alone in D.C., and 21.5% of males live alone while 26.7% of females in D.C. live alone. Washington ranks 7th in the nation for men living alone and 2nd for the number of women living alone.

The city also appears to be getting lonelier. On average, the number of people living alone has increased 5.9% year-over-year since 2016.

#2 St. Louis, Missouri

We travel from the nation’s capital to the heartland to find the 2nd “loneliest” city in America.

Among households in St. Louis, 47.5% (66,357) are occupied by one person. In terms of demographic breakdowns, 21.8% of men live alone, while one-quarter (25.7%) of women live alone. St. Louis is also ranked the 4th “loneliest” city in the nation for both men and women.

While it’s a slower pace than the other top cities on the list, the number of people living alone in St. Louis has been on the rise. Overall, the number of people living alone within the city has increased 1.9% on average year-over-year since 2016.

#3 Alexandria, Virginia

People living alone seem to be a trend within the D.C. metro area. Not only is Washington, D.C. No. 1 on the list, but nearby Alexandria, Virginia also ranks within the top five “loneliest” cities.

According to the Census Bureau, there are 33,508 one-person households within the city, which is 46.5% of all households. Alexandria ranks No. 3 for females living alone (26.2%), which is slightly less than Washington, D.C. (26.7%). Overall, the number of people living alone in Alexandria has increased 2.7% year-over-year since 2016.

#4 Richmond, Virginia

We travel about 100 miles south from Alexandria to Richmond in order to find the 4th loneliest city in America. Overall, 46.2% of homes in Richmond are one-person households, and the number of people living alone has increased 3.9% year-over-year since 2016.

#5 Cincinnati, Ohio

Rounding out the top 5 loneliest cities in America is Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati is the 6th loneliest city for women and the 5th loneliest for men. Overall, 66,960 Cincinnatians live alone, which is 46.2% of households. The number of people living alone within the city has increased 2.9% year-over-year since 2016.

Loneliest Cities for Males

When it comes to cities with the highest percentage of males living alone, Fort Lauderdale, Florida tops the list. Overall, 24.7% of men (20,488) in Fort Lauderdale live alone. Coming in at No. 2 is Cleveland, Ohio with 23.3% followed by Birmingham, Alabama (21.9%); St. Louis, Missouri (21.8%) and Cincinnati, Ohio (21.6%).

Loneliest Cities for Females

Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of America’s loneliest cities are also the loneliest cities for women as well.

For example, Richmond, Washington, and Alexandria all rank within the top five overall loneliest cities, and they also rank No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 loneliest cities for women, respectively. Rounding out the top five are St. Louis, Missouri, and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Least Lonely Cities in America

Along with breaking down the cities with the most one-person households, our analysis also looked at the cities which have the least number of one-person households.

California cities dominate this list with 9 out of 10 being located in “The Golden State.” A majority of these cities, such as Santa Ana, Corona, and Ontario can be found outside of Los Angeles while the 6th least lonely city in America, Salinas, California, is located east of Monterey Bay. In the nation’s No. 1 “least lonely” city of Fontana, California, only 11.1% of households are one-person households.

While Moreno Valley ranks No. 3 on the “least lonely” list, males are getting much lonelier within the city. In fact, the number of men living alone within Moreno Valley has increased by nearly a quarter (23.2%) on average year-over-year since 2016.

The city saw its largest increase during the Covid-19 pandemic. From 2019 to 2021, the number of males living alone in Moreno Valley increased from 2,179 to 4,121. Data is not available for the Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey due to the pandemic.

Which Cities Have Gotten Lonelier?

Speaking of cities that have gotten lonelier, Gilbert, Arizona tops the list of cities that have seen the largest average year-over-year increase in one-person households since 2016.

According to our analysis, the number of people living alone in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert has increased 14.3% on average year-over-year since 2016.

Gilbert saw its largest increase in people living alone during the pandemic. From 2019 to 2021, the number of people living alone in Gilbert increased from 14,123 to 17,155, which was a 21.5% increase. The city of Brownsville, Texas ranks No. 2 followed by Cape Coral, Florida (No. 3); Escondido, California (No. 4) and Pasadena, Texas (No. 5).

Which Cities Have Gotten Lonelier for Males?

While Brownsville, Texas ranks No. 2 on the list of cities that have gotten lonelier overall, the city ranks No. 1 for cities that have seen the largest increase in men who live alone.

Overall, Brownsville has seen a 26.6% average yearly increase in the number of males living alone since 2016. The pandemic appears to have played a large role in men living alone within the city. From 2019 to 2021, the number of men living alone in Brownsville increased from 3,323 to 4,823. Moreno Valley, California (No. 3); Pomona, California (No. 4) and Fort Collins, Colorado (No. 5) round out the top five cities that have seen the largest increase in men living alone.

Which Cities Have Gotten Lonelier for Females?

Females have been the driving force behind Gilbert, Arizona’s increase in one-person households. Overall, the city has seen an average yearly increase of 18.3% for females who live alone. During the pandemic, the city saw a massive 25.9% increase in the number of women living alone from 2019 to 2021. That’s a jump from 8,012 to 10,088 females who live alone.

Escondido, California comes in at No. 2 for the largest average yearly increase in the number of women who live alone, followed by Pasadena, Texas (No. 3), Grand Prairie, Texas (No. 4), and Yonkers, New York (No. 5).

Increase in Living Alone during Pandemic

Whether it was career changes or relocating, the pandemic uprooted many people’s lives, but certain cities in particular saw drastic changes in living situations. For example, the number of people living alone in Cape Coral, Florida jumped from 14,559 in 2019 to 20,787 in 2021, which is a 42.8% increase. Elsewhere, Irving, Texas experienced a 31.7% percent increase during that same time period. Irving is followed by Corona, California (29.4%); Hollywood, Florida (25%); and Madison, Wisconsin (24%).

Whether you’re buying a home for the first time or looking to rent an affordable studio apartment, it’s important to keep in mind where you want to live ⁠— and who you want to live with. If living alone is appealing to you, it’s always a good idea to weigh all of the pros and cons before making the leap.

Methodology

To determine our ranking, we analyzed more than 170 census-defined places with a population of 150,000 or more via the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Our analysis looked at the number of one-person households in each city as well as the number of males and females living in one-person households. To determine the average yearly increase, we analyzed 2016-2021 one-person household data. Data from the American Community Survey was not available for 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Data for Augusta, Georgia; Lexington, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky was not available from 2016-2019, so these cities were omitted from the average yearly increase portion of the analysis.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey

Fair Use: Feel free to use this data and research with proper attribution linking to this study.

Media Inquiries: For media inquires, contact media@thisisnoble.co

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