A new report says renting is increasingly shaped by financial survival and geographic necessity, not lifestyle preferences.
Across the 100 largest US metros, young renters move inland for affordability, while families and long-term tenants face barriers.
Young renter households: 31.9% share
Typical income: ~$65K
Family renters lead at 44.3%, facing high home prices plus systemic credit and wealth-building obstacles, especially minority households.
Long-term renters are 36.1%; many stay put as moving could trigger severe affordability stress at current market rents.