Housing Affordability Impacting Factors in U.S. Urban Areas from 2010 to 2020: An Empirical Review of Theoretical Factors

Authors

Colby Lee Woodson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Yunwoo Nam

Committee Members

Zhenghong Tang, Eric Thompson

Date of this Version

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Community and Regional Planning

Major: Community and Regional Planning

Under the supervision of Professor Yunwoo Nam

Lincoln, Nebraska, March 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, Colby Lee Woodson. Used by permission

Abstract

This study examines housing affordability in United States Combined Statistical Areas (CSAs) and counties from 2010 to 2020, using American Community Survey and Building Permits Survey data. It evaluates theoretical frameworks from George Galster and Kwan Ok Lee. Using a multiscalar approach, affordability is assessed through a costs-over-income ratio, incorporating both supply- and demand-side factors. A novel contribution is the integration of elder dependency rates, which limit housing turnover and exacerbate supply constraints. Findings indicate that rising full homeownership—particularly among older households—has reduced tenure mobility. The study also shows that CSAs offer a stronger analytical resolution than counties. Despite home construction rebounds in some regions between 2015 and 2020, first-time homeownership barriers persisted. These findings highlight the need to consider age composition and housing tenure in affordability research and policymaking.

Advisor: Yunwoo Nam