Utah’s Housing Crisis Threatens the Public’s Health, Study Finds


The state’s ongoing housing crisis isn’t just hitting wallets—it’s making people unwell.

With 40 percent of renters and 18 percent of homeowners struggling to afford housing,  a new study from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the U reveals that the state’s housing affordability issues are directly impacting Utahns’ health.

“Lower-quality housing and neighborhood conditions can lead to negative health outcomes, and higher housing costs reduce individuals’ and families’ ability to pay for necessities such as health care,” says Melanie Beagley MS’18, lead author of the report.

The study found that over 7,100 Utah households lack proper kitchen facilities, while more than 3,200 live without adequate plumbing, conditions linked to increased respiratory illnesses and other health problems.

Neighborhood quality also plays a crucial role. Areas with high poverty and crime rates expose residents to higher levels of stress and trauma, leading to worse mental and physical health outcomes.

The research highlights another growing concern among health experts—as housing costs continue to rise, more Utahns may be forced to choose between a roof over their heads and necessary medical care.

With 11.6 percent of Utahns already reporting skipping needed medical care due to costs, the study suggests that addressing the housing crisis could be a key step in improving the public’s health across the state.

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