NYC Rents Have Skyrocketed: Bronx Rent Up 61% Since 2019, while its Rent-to-Income Ratio Reaches 81.6%

Core Insights - A new analysis from Realtor.com® reveals that the median asking rent in New York City accounts for 55% of a typical household income, significantly higher than the national median of 44.5% [1][5] - Renters in the Bronx face the highest rent-to-income ratio at 81.6%, indicating a severe affordability crisis across all boroughs [2][5] - The report highlights the urgent need for a multi-faceted housing supply plan from mayoral candidates as renters now make up 70% of households in NYC [4] Rental Market Overview - The median asking rents by borough are as follows: Manhattan at $4,569, Brooklyn at $3,835, Queens at $3,349, and Bronx at $3,132 [3][5] - Year-over-year rent changes show Brooklyn at 6.0%, Queens at 2.7%, Bronx at 1.0%, and Manhattan at 3.3% [3] - Over the past six years, the Bronx has seen a staggering rent increase of 61.4%, the highest among the boroughs, while Brooklyn and Queens have increased by 40.8% and 40.2%, respectively [3] Affordability Analysis - The rent-to-income ratios indicate that even if rents were frozen, it would take 12-20 years of steady income growth to restore affordability to the recommended standard of 30% [2][5] - The maximum affordable rent under current income levels is significantly lower than the median asking rents, with the Bronx's maximum at $1,152 compared to a median rent of $3,132 [3][5] - New York State as a whole received a "D" grade for affordability, highlighting the widespread nature of the housing crisis [6] Political Implications - The deteriorating affordability is influencing political momentum, as seen in the recent Democratic NYC mayoral primary, where housing issues were a key focus [4] - The report emphasizes the necessity for mayoral candidates to present credible plans to address the housing supply crisis to gain voter support [2][4]