CHENANGO COUNTY – According to a New York Comptroller's report on housing affordability, almost half the state's rental households, and more than one in four homeowners, face housing costs which are above the state's affordability threshold.

The report states that 41.4 percent of people renting homes in Chenango County are paying above 30 percent of their household income, with 23 percent of renters paying half of their income or more towards housing.

“New York’s rankings among all states for these housing affordability metrics deteriorated for renters and homeowners alike from 2008 to 2017," the report states. “As a result, large numbers of New Yorkers may be forced to limit their spending on basic needs such as food, health care, and education, undermining standards of living and potential for quality of life.”

Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco said the Asset Limited, Income Restrained, Employed (ALICE) monthly budget puts a family of four at $680 or more per month in rent alone.

The last ALICE report was published in September 2018 and looked at 2016 data. It shows that 33 percent of Chenango County households fall under the ALICE category.

“In Chenango County, that could be considered a low cost. The actual cost is closer to $750 to $900 in rent for a one to two bedroom apartment, not including utilities or heat," said Monaco.