The University of Wisconsin’s Institute for Research on Poverty hosted a webinar Sept. 30 to examine the impact of housing quality on families and communities — focusing on health, stability and the lasting effects of discriminatory policies such as redlining.

The event featured presentations from senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Erik Hembre, Emory University assistant professor of epidemiology Christine Ekenga and Boston University assistant professor of sociology Steven Schmidt.

Hembre presented research on improvements in housing conditions for low-income households since the 1980s. Drawing on an American Housing Survey, his work shows that poor-quality housing decreased by more than 50%.

“On average, these [low-income] individuals went from living in homes that were among the bottom 10% of quality nationally in 1985 to living in homes much closer to the national average by 2021,” Hembre said.

Though there has been a substantial increase in housing consumption — which refers to the quality and size of the home itself — housing expenditures are on the rise, Hembre said.

Even with quality improvements, housing costs have nearly doubled for low-income families, Hembre said.

In 1985, the average rent for low-income homes was about $600 per month, Hembre said. By 2021, that amount had risen to roughly $800 per month, which is an increase of about 33%.

Ekenga presented the importance of studying the relationship between neighborhood, housing and health. Pillars that predict health outcomes like affordability, security and suitability are determinants that impact an individual’s wellbeing, Ekenga said.

Ekenga’s research analyzed nearly 50,000 housing complaints in Atlanta over a five-year span, including sewage leaks, pest infestations and lack of heating. She found the most serious complaints were concentrated in neighborhoods redlined nearly a century ago.

“These problems did not happen by accident,” Ekenga said. “Historical disinvestment leaves an imprint on today’s housing quality — even after accounting for current neighborhood demographics and poverty.”

Ekenga’s research suggested that cities could use housing complaint data to detect where inspections and repairs are most needed.

Resources should be provided for historically redlined neighborhoods, Ekenga said. As a public health researcher, Ekenga is using this data to evaluate health outcomes, neighborhood level and the future of possible outreach to these communities.

Building on the theme of tenant experiences for low-income housing, Schmidt shared his research from neighborhoods in Los Angeles, documenting how families negotiate with landlords while living in unsafe apartments.

“Low-income renters are frequently experiencing maintenance problems at home but because of rental market constraints, they are hesitant to initiate another housing search,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt’s research shows low-income families frequently face maintenance problems such as broken appliances, mold or structural issues — yet rental market constraints make them hesitant to move.

Together, the presentations highlighted both the progress and the ongoing challenges in housing for low-income families. Ekenga and Schmidt said that historical disinvestment, neighborhood inequities and rental markets are clear determinants of health.

Hembre, Ekenga and Schmidt said that while housing quality has improved over time, market constraints and redlining continue to affect low-income families throughout the country.