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The State of the Dream 2004: Enduring Disparities in Black and White

Housing, continued

Today "decent, safe, sanitary" and affordable housing is still out of reach for far too many Americans, regardless of race. Affordable housing (defined as costing 30% of the median income) has declined by four million units over the past 30 years. 5.3 million US families spend half or more of their income on housing.⁴

African Americans often face more barriers than white Americans in attaining decent housing. African Americans are often restricted to neighborhoods of color and to the least desirable homes. Blacks are two and a half times more likely to live in substandard housing as whites.⁵

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United for a Fair Economy • Racial Wealth Divide Project 15