When initially exploring the 2017 numbers for the city of St. Petersburg, we may see that median gross rent[1] and median household income[2] have largely grown together at an average of about 2% annually since 2010. This means that on average, St. Petersburg residents have steadily spent about 24%, or one-quarter of their household incomes on rent.

Not so fast! How does this picture change when its resolution is increased, and rent burden, defined as spending 30% or higher of income on rent, is examined at the neighborhood level? This map explores rent prices, income, and demographics within 140 individual Census Tracts[3] that make up the St. Petersburg Area, revealing that many rent burdened communities exist throughout the city, with some spending above 50% of income on rent.

The new Grow Smarter Housing Workgroup is seeking to identify, understand, and connect efforts throughout the city to combat gaps in affordable housing. Please explore the following map and click tracts for individual breakdowns—do these trends align with your experience?

Please explore the map and click for individual tract summaries:

 

Source: American Community Survey 2017: 5-Year Estimates

 

[1]The median gross rent is defined as the contract rent plus the estimated average monthly cost of utilizes and fuels.

[2]Median household income refers to the income of the householder and all other individuals 15 years old and over in the household.

[3]A Census Tract is generally described as a geographical area containing between 2,500 and 8,000 residents.