How Income Inequality and Rising Housing Costs Are Affecting San Diego Residents
San Diego is known for its beautiful coastline, desirable neighborhoods, and high quality of life. However, behind the city’s appeal is a growing concern that affects thousands of residents: the relationship between housing affordability, age, income inequality, and health.
As housing costs continue to rise, lower-income households, particularly older adults and individuals living with chronic health conditions, face increasingly difficult decisions about where they can afford to live.
The Growing Housing Affordability Gap
San Diego County continues to experience significant housing affordability challenges. According to the County of San Diego’s November 2025 poverty report, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment increased by 48.7% between 2020 and 2025. Two-bedroom apartment costs increased by 41.4% during that same period.
These increases create additional pressure for individuals and families already living on limited incomes.
For someone earning a lower wage, receiving disability benefits, or relying on retirement income, even a relatively small rent increase can create financial instability.
Housing costs can also force residents to make difficult choices between rent, groceries, transportation, and necessary medical care.
How Age and Health Are Connected to Housing Stability
Age can play a significant role in determining someone’s housing needs and financial flexibility.
Older adults are more likely to experience certain chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, and increased medical expenses. At the same time, many retirees rely on fixed monthly incomes that may not increase at the same rate as housing costs.
A 2025 San Diego County report on older adult health highlights several important concerns:
- Approximately 9.4% of adults aged 65 and older lived below the federal poverty level in 2023.
- Nearly 31.7% of households headed by someone aged 65 or older had incomes below the estimated cost of living for a single adult renter.
- More than one-quarter of people experiencing homelessness in the county were aged 55 and older.
These statistics demonstrate why affordable, stable housing is particularly important for older residents.
When someone is forced to relocate because they can no longer afford their rent, they may also lose access to familiar healthcare providers, nearby family members, transportation, and community support.
The Relationship Between Poverty and Health
Housing affordability and health are closely connected.
The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency’s August 2025 poverty report identifies poverty as an important social determinant of health.
The report highlights that lower-income communities tend to experience higher rates of certain health conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Financial instability can also make it more difficult for residents to maintain consistent healthcare appointments, afford nutritious food, and manage ongoing medical needs.
For individuals already experiencing health challenges, unstable housing can create additional stress and make maintaining their overall well-being more difficult.
This is why affordable housing should be viewed as more than simply providing someone with a place to live. It is also about providing an environment where residents can maintain stability and access the resources they need.
Why Lower-Income Housing Matters in San Diego
Affordable housing plays an important role in supporting the long-term health and stability of a community.
For older adults, people with disabilities, working families, and individuals living on limited incomes, access to reasonably priced housing can make a significant difference.
Some important considerations include:
- Financial Stability: Affordable rent allows residents to better manage other necessary expenses.
- Healthcare Access: Living near medical providers and transportation can help residents maintain consistent healthcare.
- Community Connections: Remaining in familiar neighborhoods can help prevent isolation and preserve important support systems.
- Housing Security: Stable housing reduces the risk of displacement and homelessness.
- Independence: Accessible and appropriately maintained housing can help older adults remain independent longer.
San Diego County has recognized these challenges and continues to support affordable housing development and programs designed to help lower-income residents.
What Does This Mean for San Diego’s Rental Housing Market?
As the population ages and housing costs remain high, the need for a variety of rental housing options will continue to be important.
Property owners, housing providers, and property management companies all play a role in maintaining safe, habitable, and well-managed rental housing.
Understanding the needs of different residents is essential. A senior living independently may have different housing priorities than a young professional, a family, or someone managing a long-term medical condition.
The goal should be to recognize that housing is not one-size-fits-all.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Stable San Diego
San Diego’s housing challenges extend beyond rental prices. They involve income inequality, aging populations, healthcare accessibility, and the availability of housing that residents can realistically afford.
Addressing these challenges requires continued investment in affordable housing, thoughtful community planning, and an understanding of how housing instability affects people at different stages of life.
A stable home provides more than shelter. It provides security, independence, and the foundation for a healthier life.
At Key Property Management Inc., we believe that responsible property management starts with recognizing the importance of safe, well-maintained housing and the role it plays in our communities.
Because a healthy community starts with a stable place to call home.
Sources & Further Reading
- County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency. Poverty in San Diego County: Area Deprivation Index, Income Inequality, Housing Affordability, and Food Insecurity. November 2025.
- County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency. Older Adult Health in San Diego County. September 2025.
- County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency. Poverty in San Diego County: Poverty and Health. August 2025.
- County of San Diego. Cost of Living for Older Adults (Ages 65 Years and Over), San Diego County. 2025.