People in These States Are Having the Hardest Time Paying Rent

Joel Anderson
From Spruce Street looking north with city hall in the background.
From Spruce Street looking north with city hall in the background.

The expanded unemployment benefits — as well as the moratorium on evictions that protected many people from losing their homes — expired at the end of July. As so many have been scrambling to make ends meet in spite of their temporary unemployment, the new threat that they could very easily end up on the streets presents a harrowing reality.

See: These States Have the Best Chance To Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Unemployment Tsunami

So, which states are at the greatest risk for a wave of evictions? To get a better sense of which places are the most vulnerable, GOBankingRates conducted a study to determine which locales have the worst combination of high rents and high unemployment. The study included the June unemployment rate, the average rent on a one-bedroom apartment and the percentage of people who missed a rent or mortgage payment last month or have no expectation to be able to pay next month, per the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey.

Take a closer look at which places appear to be having the toughest time paying rent, and which states have a better chance at bouncing back from the crisis.

Last updated: Jan. 19, 2021

BAR HARBOR-OCT 17: Bar Harbor architecture in downtown near Frenchman Bay in Maine, USA on October 17, 2015.
BAR HARBOR-OCT 17: Bar Harbor architecture in downtown near Frenchman Bay in Maine, USA on October 17, 2015.

Maine

  • June unemployment rate: 6.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $780

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 1,065,620

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 89,847

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 13.3%

Read: When Can You Get the COVID Vaccine?

Park City, Utah, USA town skyline over Main Street at twilight.
Park City, Utah, USA town skyline over Main Street at twilight.

Utah

  • June unemployment rate: 5.1%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $805

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,281,207

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 231,212

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 13.4%

Check Out: Almost Every State Is In Debt Thanks to COVID — What Now?

Church Street market at night with people walking during springtime in Burlington, Vermont.
Church Street market at night with people walking during springtime in Burlington, Vermont.

Vermont

  • June unemployment rate: 9.4%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $974

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 485,485

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 44,913

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 13.7%

Tacoma, Washington, USA skyline at night.
Tacoma, Washington, USA skyline at night.

Washington

  • June unemployment rate: 9.8%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,178

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 5,890,357

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 645,716

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 15%

From Houses to RVs: What To Buy During the Pandemic

A view of downtown St.
A view of downtown St.

Minnesota

  • June unemployment rate: 8.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $859

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 4,241,624

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 468,345

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 16.1%

Unique aerial perspective of Fremont Bridge over the willamette river in the pearl district of downtown Portland Oregon on a perfect day.
Unique aerial perspective of Fremont Bridge over the willamette river in the pearl district of downtown Portland Oregon on a perfect day.

Oregon

  • June unemployment rate: 11.2%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $984

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 3,302,727

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 397,346

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 16.3%

Sunset over downtown Center City, Philadelphia, PA.
Sunset over downtown Center City, Philadelphia, PA.

Pennsylvania

  • June unemployment rate: 13%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $830

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 9,776,154

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,103,641

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 17.4%

Barn near Helena Montana - Image.
Barn near Helena Montana - Image.

Montana

  • June unemployment rate: 7.1%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $625

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 822,204

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 99,342

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 18.1%

Downtown skyline with Buildings in Milwaukee at twilight, in Wisconsin USA.
Downtown skyline with Buildings in Milwaukee at twilight, in Wisconsin USA.

Wisconsin

  • June unemployment rate: 8.5%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $689

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 4,438,719

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 610,815

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 18.6%

Denver, Colorado, USA downtown cityscape in Civic Center park at dusk.
Denver, Colorado, USA downtown cityscape in Civic Center park at dusk.

Colorado

  • June unemployment rate: 10.5%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,040

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 4,454,718

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 592,351

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 18.6%

Georgetown, Washington, DC skyline on the Potomac River.
Georgetown, Washington, DC skyline on the Potomac River.

District of Columbia

  • June unemployment rate: 8.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,493

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 542,635

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 78,862

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 19.2%

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA town cityscape.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA town cityscape.

New Hampshire

  • June unemployment rate: 11.8%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,052

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 1,073,014

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 138,492

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 19.5%

Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA town skyline in the mountains.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA town skyline in the mountains.

Kansas

  • June unemployment rate: 7.5%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $673

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,140,957

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 281,067

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 19.7%

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - JUNE 8 - A scenic backyard view in a local neighborhood on June 8 2019 in Anchorage Alaska.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - JUNE 8 - A scenic backyard view in a local neighborhood on June 8 2019 in Anchorage Alaska.

Alaska

  • June unemployment rate: 12.4%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $936

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 524,925

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 66,404

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 20%

Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA - July 21, 2013: People on a horse drawn carriage in downtown Cheyenne.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA - July 21, 2013: People on a horse drawn carriage in downtown Cheyenne.

Wyoming

  • June unemployment rate: 7.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $625

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 433,400

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 57,410

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 20.1%

South Boston also known as southie is a densely populated neighborhood of Boston known for narrow three deckers, rowhouses and strong Irish Catholic traditions.
South Boston also known as southie is a densely populated neighborhood of Boston known for narrow three deckers, rowhouses and strong Irish Catholic traditions.

Massachusetts

  • June unemployment rate: 17.4%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,313

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 5,324,065

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 806,773

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 21.2%

See: A Coronavirus Downturn Will Hurt These 50 Housing Markets the Most

Morning in Des Moines, Iowa.
Morning in Des Moines, Iowa.

Iowa

  • June unemployment rate: 8%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $606

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,342,905

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 344,827

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 21.4%

Fair Haven is a neighborhood in the eastern part of the city of New Haven, Connecticut, between the Mill and Quinnipiac rivers.
Fair Haven is a neighborhood in the eastern part of the city of New Haven, Connecticut, between the Mill and Quinnipiac rivers.

Connecticut

  • June unemployment rate: 9.8%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,083

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,732,423

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 391,721

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 21.7%

Scenic Honolulu Oahu Hawaii Suburban Neighborhood.
Scenic Honolulu Oahu Hawaii Suburban Neighborhood.

Hawaii

  • June unemployment rate: 13.9%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,444

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 1,073,229

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 174,066

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 21.9%

Wilmington Delaware skyline
Wilmington Delaware skyline

Delaware

  • June unemployment rate: 12.5%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,035

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 754,637

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 110,362

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 22.2%

Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - May 3, 2019: Daytime view of Main Street Square in the Heart of Downtown Rapid City.
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - May 3, 2019: Daytime view of Main Street Square in the Heart of Downtown Rapid City.

South Dakota

  • June unemployment rate: 7.2%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $569

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 642,658

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 97,515

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 22.7%

Frozen pond in a park in downtown Omaha.
Frozen pond in a park in downtown Omaha.

Nebraska

  • June unemployment rate: 6.7%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $662

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 1,418,191

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 231,634

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 23.2%

Detroit Woodward Ave.
Detroit Woodward Ave.

Michigan

  • June unemployment rate: 14.8%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $726

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 7,644,458

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,236,656

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 23.6%

Chicago typical silver colored commuter train moving on elevated tracks to railroad station in between urban city buildings of Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Chicago typical silver colored commuter train moving on elevated tracks to railroad station in between urban city buildings of Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Illinois

  • June unemployment rate: 14.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $913

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 9,546,424

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,543,956

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24%

High angle view of Roanoke Virginia with famous church in the background -- St Andrews Catholic Church.
High angle view of Roanoke Virginia with famous church in the background -- St Andrews Catholic Church.

Virginia

  • June unemployment rate: 8.4%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,067

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 6,472,737

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,097,578

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.1%

Sunset over the Soulard neighborhood in Saint Louis, Missouri - Image.
Sunset over the Soulard neighborhood in Saint Louis, Missouri - Image.

Missouri

  • June unemployment rate: 7.9%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $667

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 4,617,880

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 796,702

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.2%

Drone Aerial of Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, NC, USA Skyline.
Drone Aerial of Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, NC, USA Skyline.

North Carolina

  • June unemployment rate: 7.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $769

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 8,017,566

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,317,637

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.3%

This is a suburban neighborhood in Boise Idaho.
This is a suburban neighborhood in Boise Idaho.

Idaho

  • June unemployment rate: 5.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $663

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 1,343,198

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 230,730

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.3%

Colorful row houses along a sunny residential street.
Colorful row houses along a sunny residential street.

Maryland

  • June unemployment rate: 8%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,262

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 4,586,920

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 741,108

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.4%

Victorian Style homes in Newport, Rhode Island.
Victorian Style homes in Newport, Rhode Island.

Rhode Island

  • June unemployment rate: 12.4%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $978

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 817,559

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 140,529

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.5%

River Town USA - Aerial view of autumn in a small Kentucky river town.
River Town USA - Aerial view of autumn in a small Kentucky river town.

Kentucky

  • June unemployment rate: 4.3%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $608

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 3,344,102

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 515,309

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.7%

Stock photograph of new apartment buildings on Broadway boulevard in downtown Tucson Arizona USA.
Stock photograph of new apartment buildings on Broadway boulevard in downtown Tucson Arizona USA.

Arizona

  • June unemployment rate: 10%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $869

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 5,597,268

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 997,492

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 24.8%

Check Out: Owning vs. Renting: What’s Better for Your Wallet?

Downtown of Indianapolis by Indiana Central Canal.
Downtown of Indianapolis by Indiana Central Canal.

Indiana

  • June unemployment rate: 11.2%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $664

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 5,015,550

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 859,079

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 26%

Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of Fargo's historic Front Street now Main Street in the heart of the downtown district.
Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of Fargo's historic Front Street now Main Street in the heart of the downtown district.

North Dakota

  • June unemployment rate: 6.1%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $582

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 561,016

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 93,315

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 27.1%

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA cityscape in Bricktown at dusk.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA cityscape in Bricktown at dusk.

Oklahoma

  • June unemployment rate: 6.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $605

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,916,436

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 513,267

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 27.3%

Row of colorful garden homes with two stories and white pillars in suburban neighborhood of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Row of colorful garden homes with two stories and white pillars in suburban neighborhood of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Arkansas

  • June unemployment rate: 8%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $579

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,246,527

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 364,105

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 27.7%

Henderson Nevada best weather
Henderson Nevada best weather

Nevada

  • June unemployment rate: 15%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $901

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,399,457

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 517,143

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 28.1%

Condos in Atlanta suburbs just next to Highway GA 400.
Condos in Atlanta suburbs just next to Highway GA 400.

Georgia

  • June unemployment rate: 7.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $878

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 7,955,983

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,503,393

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 28.3%

"A view on Parkersburg, West Virginia from a nearby hill".
"A view on Parkersburg, West Virginia from a nearby hill".

West Virginia

  • June unemployment rate: 10.4%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $605

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 1,379,576

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 249,044

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 28.9%

Downtown Charleston, South Carolina in the early evening.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina in the early evening.

South Carolina

  • June unemployment rate: 8.7%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $779

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 3,969,123

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 743,353

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 29%

The capital statehouse of New Jersey lights up as the sun sets the Delaware River in the background city of Trenton.
The capital statehouse of New Jersey lights up as the sun sets the Delaware River in the background city of Trenton.

New Jersey

  • June unemployment rate: 16.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,255

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 6,776,822

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,270,764

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 29%

A hillside with many houses in Irvine in southern Orange County, California, with mountains in the background.
A hillside with many houses in Irvine in southern Orange County, California, with mountains in the background.

California

  • June unemployment rate: 14.9%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,449

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 29,939,021

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 7,003,562

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 30%

Look: These States Receive the Most Disaster Aid Every Year

Row of houses in the suburb of Lakewood in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area.
Row of houses in the suburb of Lakewood in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area.

Ohio

  • June unemployment rate: 10.9%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $669

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 8,822,539

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,699,086

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 30.1%

Photo of a street, at a residential district.
Photo of a street, at a residential district.

Florida

  • June unemployment rate: 10.4%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $979

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 17,085,385

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 3,333,798

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 30.2%

Residential subdivision in Murfreesboro, TN.
Residential subdivision in Murfreesboro, TN.

Tennessee

  • June unemployment rate: 9.7%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $710

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 5,221,475

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 1,096,675

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 30.6%

Stock photo of condominium apartment buildings with parking lot and back yard in Dallas, Texas, USA.
Stock photo of condominium apartment buildings with parking lot and back yard in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Texas

  • June unemployment rate: 8.6%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $856

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 21,356,906

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 4,562,581

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 32.1%

High angle view of Lower Manhattan cityscape - Chinatown, New York, USA.
High angle view of Lower Manhattan cityscape - Chinatown, New York, USA.

New York

  • June unemployment rate: 15.7%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,292

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 14,847,080

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 3,327,655

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 32.8%

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown skyline at dusk.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown skyline at dusk.

New Mexico

  • June unemployment rate: 8.3%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $681

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 1,589,574

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 355,836

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 33.1%

Downtown Jackson, Mississippi
Downtown Jackson, Mississippi

Mississippi

  • June unemployment rate: 8.7%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $665

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 2,189,670

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 445,863

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 33.9%

Urban scene of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Urban scene of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Alabama

  • June unemployment rate: 7.5%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $685

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 3,717,378

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 817,178

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 35.1%

Monroe is the eighth-largest city in the U.
Monroe is the eighth-largest city in the U.

Louisiana

  • June unemployment rate: 9.7%

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $685

  • Total population (ages 18 and older): 3,431,432

  • Adults unable to pay for housing: 755,099

Percentage of population unable to pay for housing: 36.5%

More From GOBankingRates

Methodology: GOBankingRates reviewed the United States Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to find out where Americans are having the hardest time paying rent. The survey measures the number of adults in each state “who missed last month’s rent or mortgage payment or who have slight or no confidence that their household can pay next month’s rent or mortgage on time.” GOBankingRates ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia from the state where the highest percentage of the adult population is unable to pay for housing (No. 1) to the state where the lowest percentage is unable to pay for housing (No. 51). GOBankingRates also provided the June 2020 unemployment rate from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the June 2020 estimated rent for one-bedroom apartments from Apartment List for each state as supplemental information. All data was collected on and up to date as of July 23, 2020.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: People in These States Are Having the Hardest Time Paying Rent

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