Renters and Low-Income Households Faced Greater Home Damage from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

What is it about?

Hurricane Maria was one of the most devastating storms in Puerto Rico’s history, destroying thousands of homes. However, not all households were affected equally. This study examines how renters and low-income households faced a higher risk of severe home damage compared to homeowners and higher-income residents. Using data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), we found that renters were significantly more likely than homeowners to experience major damage or complete home destruction. Low-income households were also at greater risk, and the most vulnerable group was low-income renters, who faced the highest likelihood of severe damage. These findings highlight the need for stronger housing policies that improve the structural safety of rental and low-income housing. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, protecting vulnerable communities from disaster-related housing loss must become a priority.

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Photo by Kristīne Zāle on Unsplash

Photo by Kristīne Zāle on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is one of the first to examine Hurricane Maria’s impact at the individual household level, using detailed FEMA data to assess how renters and low-income households were disproportionately affected. While previous research has focused on community-wide damage, our findings highlight how these vulnerabilities played out within households—showing that low-income renters faced the highest risk of severe home destruction. As climate change fuels more frequent and intense hurricanes, understanding which households are most at risk is critical for designing effective disaster preparedness and recovery policies. Our study underscores the need for stronger housing protections, particularly for renters and low-income residents, to reduce disaster-related inequalities. By addressing these structural risks, policymakers can help build more resilient communities and prevent future housing crises in the wake of extreme weather events.