ConsumerAffairs Ranks U.S. States for Renters Based on Affordability and Protections

U.S. states for renters based on four metrics: affordability, availability, quality of life, and tenant protections. U.S. Census Bureau, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and other sources. Each state received an overall score out of 100.

North Dakota ranked first for the third year in a row. The state scored highest in affordability and availability. 7 percent of their income on rent, the lowest nationally. Colorado ranked second despite a median rent of $1,761, above the national average.

The state is one of five with laws restricting the timing, frequency, or size of rent increases. These tenant protections contributed to its position.

ranked third, with scores reflecting affordability, tenant protections, and quality of life.

Wyoming and Utah completed the top five. These states vary in their strengths across the metrics. >"The top-ranked states are far from a monolith. Instead, they represent a range of rental environments, each offering renters unique benefits.

" — ConsumerAffairs researchers (Newsweek) Florida ranked last, down from 48th in the previous year. 4 percent of their income on rent. It scored lowest in tenant protections, with no state laws covering the evaluated areas.

Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Massachusetts followed Florida in the rankings.

These states faced challenges including above-average costs, limited housing availability, lower quality of life for renters, or weak tenant protections. The report highlights variations in rental conditions across the country. U.S. housing is renter-occupied.

7 percent in March compared to the previous year, according to Apartment List. The report predicts soft or slightly declining prices in the coming months if supply remains high and demand stable.