Orange County NC Website
17 <br /> According to the 2019-2023 American Community Survey(ACS),there were 16,632 single-person <br /> households, including an estimated 8,299 one-person owner households and 8,317 one-person <br /> renter households in Orange County.These one-person households made up 23%of homeowner <br /> households and 37%of renter households, respectively.While 70%of renters living alone (70%) are <br /> under 55, more than 75%of homeowners living alone are age 55 or older. <br /> While specific data on housing costs for senior homeowners living alone in Orange County is not <br /> readily available, national trends indicate that housing affordability is a significant concern among <br /> older adults.According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, as of 2022, <br /> approximately 27.4%of homeowners aged 65 and over were considered housing cost-burdened, <br /> meaning they spent more than 30%of their income on housing-related expenses.This suggests <br /> that many older homeowners in Orange County may face financial challenges in maintaining their <br /> homes. <br /> Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance who are disabled or <br /> victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. <br /> • People with Disabilities: Based on the 2016 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy <br /> (CHAS) Data, an estimated 5,485 or 27%of renter households and 9,940 or 31%of <br /> homeowner households have a member with a disability.Among renters with a disability, <br /> 72%are considered low-income, meaning they earn no more than 80%of the County's area <br /> median income(AMI), and 45%of homeowners with a disability are low-income.The <br /> majority of these low-income households with a disability, both renters and owners, also <br /> have one or more housing problems, such as housing cost burden, substandard facilities, <br /> or overcrowding. <br /> • Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault,and Stalking: According <br /> to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports,there were 15 reported cases of rape in Orange County in <br /> 2023. <br /> What are the most common housing problems? <br /> Housing cost burden is the most prevalent housing issue for both renters and homeowners in <br /> Orange County.According to 2017-2022 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy(CHAS) <br /> data, 22%of homeowners face a housing cost burden, meaning they spend more than 30%of their <br /> income on housing expenses.Among these homeowners, 12%allocate between 30-50%of their <br /> income toward housing costs,while 10%spend more than half of their income on housing, <br /> indicating a severe cost burden. <br /> In comparison, renters in Orange County experience significantly higher rates of housing cost <br /> burden.Approximately 45%of renters are cost-burdened, more than double the rate for <br /> homeowners. Of these renters, 19%spend 30-50%of their income on housing, and 26%face a <br /> severe cost burden, dedicating more than 50%of their income to housing expenses.This disparity <br /> underscores the greater financial strain renters face in maintaining affordable housing. <br /> Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems? <br /> 14 <br />