Terner Center for Housing Innovation Releases New Data Tool Mapping Who is Served by the Housing Choice Voucher Program
By: Annelise Loveless, Policy and Legislative Affairs Intern
July 21, 2025—On July 17th, the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley released new research that maps the characteristics of people served by the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program across the country and highlights the program’s important role in preventing housing instability.
Using publicly available data from HUD, researchers mapped out the share of voucher households who are families with children, are headed by seniors (ages 62+), or are individuals with disabilities. They also mapped average rent-to-income ratios for voucher recipients (i.e., how total rents without the voucher subsidy compare to monthly household income).
Researchers highlight several key findings. They found that in every state, the average voucher household is unable to afford their current rent without assistance. On average, monthly rent exceeds 100% of a voucher holder’s household income. Even in lower-cost areas, such as rural counties and states where the cost of living is relatively cheaper, unsubsidized rents can far exceed the monthly incomes of voucher holders.
Additionally, the HCV program primarily supports families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Thirty seven percent of all voucher holders are households with children, 34% are headed by seniors, and 26% of participants have a disability. However, the characteristics of voucher households vary significantly by location. In many counties, families with children represent 50% or more of all households served by the program. The share of households headed by seniors ranges widely, from six percent to 98%. Lastly, areas with the highest shares of voucher holders with a disability (ranging from 50% to 98%) are typically small or rural counties, where access to affordable and accessible housing may be especially limited.
The data show that, across the country, recipients rely on the HCV program to remain safely housed. Amidst rising housing costs and funding uncertainties, researchers underscore the importance of the program and how expansion is needed to prevent housing instability and homelessness across the country.
Explore the data tool and read the full analysis from the Terner Center here.
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