Housing Security

How Housing Security Impacts Health

Housing conditions, affordability, and homelessness have a significant impact on health and well-being. In areas with high housing costs, low-income residents may experience substandard living conditions and sometimes have to cut back on other essentials like food, transportation, savings, and healthcare, impacting overall quality of life and mental health¹. Homelessness increases these challenges, heightening risks of acute and chronic illnesses, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. Factors such as economic instability, lack of affordable housing, systemic inequality, and inadequate support systems contribute to housing insecurity and homelessness². Providing stable housing not only addresses immediate health concerns but also contributes to long-term community well-being. 

Housing Cost-Burdened Households

Why this is important: The housing cost-to-income ratio is important for all households. When housing costs are lower, income can go toward other necessities such as food, transportation, and healthcare. Households with low housing costs are at a reduced risk of financial stress and emotional strain, increasing the likelihood of experiencing better overall health and well-being. The Healthy People 2030 national target is 25.5%.

Definition: Percent of households with monthly housing costs 30% or more of their household income. Households are considered to be severely cost-burdened when their monthly housing costs are 50% or more of their household income

Trend: There has not been a significant change over time in the percent of households who are cost-burdened in Whatcom County from 2012 to 2021.

Geography: For 2017 to 2021, Whatcom County had a higher percentage of households who were cost-burdened than Washington state.

Disparities: Disparities exist among the type of housing units in Whatcom County which spend greater than 30%, or 50%, of their household income on housing costs. Hover over the data in the subpopulation tabs to discover more.

Learn more:

• Workforce Housing Report: Housing Essential Workers in Whatcom County, Whatcom Housing Alliance, 2022.
• Housing Affordability Index, AWB Institute. 
• Defining Housing Affordability, US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

NOTE: There are different definitions of “homelessness” and they vary by agency. The Data Notes tabs contain the definitions of homelessness for the indicators listed below.

People Experiencing Homelessness

Why this is important: Experiencing homelessness significantly affects both physical and mental well-being and can make it difficult to access healthcare, employment, and other essential resources. Causes of homelessness include financial difficulties, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, mental health issues, substance abuse, and family problems³. Individuals experiencing homelessness often face higher rates of poor health compared to those with stable housing.

Definition: Number of persons experiencing homelessness (identified during the annual Point-in-Time count)

Trend: The number of people in Whatcom County who are experiencing homelessness has been increasing significantly since 2012.

Geography: Available data for this indicator do not allow for comparisons to Washington State.

Disparities: Available data for this indicator do not allow for visualization or analysis by subpopulation.

Learn more:

• Whatcom Homeless Service Center, Opportunity Council
• Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness
• A Home for Everyone: Strategic Plan to End Homelessness, Whatcom County Health and Community Services, 2019. 
• Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count, US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Students Experiencing Homelessness

Why this is important: The experience of homelessness has a profound impact on youth, as it disrupts the stability essential for their development. The stress and emotional strain caused by unstable housing often result in increased anxiety and difficulty focusing in school, which can impact academic performance and engagement. Factors such as family poverty, housing affordability issues, domestic violence, or inadequate support systems can contribute to homelessness among children and youth and further disrupt their development and well-being⁴.

Definition: Percent of enrolled K-12 students who are identified as homeless in Whatcom County

Trend: The rate for enrolled students identified as homeless in Whatcom County has increased by 42% between 2020 and 2022 academic years.

Geography: The number of enrolled students who identify as homeless in Whatcom County is not significantly different from Washington State for the school year beginning 2022.

Disparities: Among enrolled students who identify as homeless in Whatcom County for the school year beginning 2022, disparities exist with regard to school district and grade level. Hover over the data in the subpopulation tabs to discover more.

Learn more:

• Northwest Youth Services
• Office of Homeless Youth, WA State Department of Commerce. 
• Washington State Report Card, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• Homeless Students in Public Schools Across America, National School Boards Association, 2021.

Youth Housing Insecurity

Why this is important: Losing a home due to financial strain can significantly impact the lives of young people. The stress of losing a home can lead to increased emotional distress, making it difficult for youth to concentrate in school and take part in social and community activities. The instability and uncertainty of their living situation can disrupt their sense of security, hindering their academic performance and potentially interfering with plans beyond high school.

Definition: Percent of 10th grade students who report their current living arrangements are the result of losing their home due to family income

Trend: Between 2014-18, the percent of 10th graders who have reported that family income led to housing insecurity showed no significant change in Whatcom County. During the COVID-19 Pandemic this number decreased.

Geography: In 2021, the percent of 10th grade students who report housing insecurity due to family income is similar to the percent of 10th grade students across Washington State.

Disparities: No disparities identified for 2021.

Learn more:

• Northwest Youth Services
• Washington State Report Card, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• Prevention of Youth Homelessness Preliminary Strategic Plan, Washington Department of Commerce, 2021.
• “Yes to Yes” Washington State: Unaccompanied Youth and Young Adult Homelessness Landscape Scan, Washington Department of Commerce, 2024.

Additional Resources

• Opportunity Council Housing Programs
• Homelessness & Housing Information, Whatcom County Health and Community Services.
• Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness.
• Whatcom Housing Alliance.
• A Home for Everyone: Strategic Plan to End Homelessness, Whatcom County Health and Community Services, 2019. 
• Housing Advisory Plan 2023-2028. Washington State Department of Commerce, 2024.