#12 Owner Substandard Housing
What?
Key issues visualized by region
Owner occupied housing with at least one of the following conditions:
- Lack of a sink with faucet, lack of a stove, or lack of a refrigerator in the kitchen.
- Lack of hot and cold running water or a bathtub or shower.
- Overcrowding means it is occupied by more than one person per room (excluding bathrooms and kitchens).
- Cost Burdened means that 30% or more of the household income is spent on monthly housing costs.
Owner substandard housing can be a risk factor. A higher percentage is less desirable.
Data Source: Policy Map. (2017-2021). Owner occupied substandard housing condition: Any one of the conditions – no plumbing, no kitchen, overcrowded (>1 per room), or cost burdened. [Data warehouse]
So What?
Explanation of the issue
Housing is a basic need for everyone. It shows a person’s overall economic and social situation and is very important for their health. Good housing protects families from harmful things, gives them privacy, security, stability, and control. However, unhealthy housing can mean too many people living in one place, not having basic things like water and proper toilets, and high costs. These problems can lead to bad outcomes for children and their families, like poverty, being left out of society, and poor health.
Children in unhealthy housing, including bad physical conditions, dangers at home, crowding, and clutter, often have worse mental health right away and over time. Too many people in one place can help diseases spread, and not having proper toilets can also spread diseases. Children in crowded homes are less likely to finish high school and usually achieve less education by age 25.
Families that spend too much on housing often have to choose between other basic needs. When families spend a lot on housing, other needs like food, healthcare, insurance, and reliable transportation to work or school suffer. This also affects family activities that provide exercise and emotional stability.
Unhealthy housing can greatly affect a child’s education. Those children are more likely to miss school because of illness and do poorly in school. Crowding and lack of privacy make it hard for children to focus on their studies. The stress of living in unhealthy housing can hurt a child’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and behavior problems.
Unhealthy housing can also lead to social exclusion and limit opportunities for children. Families may not be able to join community activities, have limited access to resources, and face discrimination. These factors can significantly affect a child’s self-esteem and sense of belonging, leading to social and emotional difficulties.
Types of Health Outcomes & Behaviors Associated with This Condition
The four Health Outcomes and Behaviors domains are (1) Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol, (2) Safety, (3) Physical and Mental Health, and (4) Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes. Click to see a list of the conditions associated with each domain.
Now What?
Strategies in which either policy, investments, or interventions can impact the issue
These were chosen with an emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. This focus was selected to streamline and narrow the range of strategies. When you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to a third-party site.
