It’s only getting more and more expensive to rent in Alexandria.
In a webinar this afternoon, Alexandria’s Office of Housing spelled out the current state of evictions. Given that the vast majority of those evictions are caused by non-payment of rent, Mary Horner, division chief of the Landlord Tenant Division, noted that rental costs are continuing to rise.
The average rent for studio apartments increased by 9.3% this year. Rents increased by 7.3% for one-bedroom units, 8.2% for two-bedroom units and 8.1% for three-bedroom units.
Additionally, the Office of Housing said typical monthly utility costs ranged from $100-$400.
There are approximately 43,000 renter households in Alexandria, accounting for roughly 57% of the city’s total households. Of those, 44% are considered housing cost-burdened—i.e., spending more than 30% of their total income on housing expenses.
Horner said data shows disparities in race and ethnicity in average household income as well. Black or African American households in Alexandria make an average of $78,942. The average Hispanic or Latino household makes $79,583. Meanwhile, the average non-Hispanic white household makes $145,083.