Eviction rates across the United States remain elevated in 2025, continuing a troubling trend that has been exacerbated by rising housing costs and the expiration of pandemic-era relief programs. According to recent data, eviction filings have surged in many cities as tenants struggle to keep up with escalating rent prices, limited affordable housing options, and the withdrawal of emergency rental assistance. While eviction rates were historically higher during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the current housing landscape is proving just as difficult for renters, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck or relying on nontraditional sources of income.
Rising Rent and Economic Pressures
One of the primary drivers of elevated eviction rates is the continued surge in rent prices, particularly in major metropolitan areas where demand far outstrips supply. Many landlords, facing rising operational costs and higher property values, have raised rents significantly in recent years. For renters, these hikes have become unsustainable, particularly as wages have not kept pace with inflation and housing costs. The average rent across the U.S. has increased by approximately 7% in the past year, and in certain cities, the increase has been much higher, often reaching double digits.
In areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, tenants have been hit hardest by the lack of affordable housing. Many have found themselves unable to meet the higher rent demands, leading to late payments and, in some cases, eviction proceedings. This financial strain, coupled with limited options for securing more affordable housing, has created a vicious cycle, leaving many renters vulnerable to displacement.
End of Pandemic-Era Relief Programs
The expiration of pandemic-related eviction protections and rental assistance programs has also contributed to the spike in eviction rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state governments implemented temporary moratoriums on evictions and provided emergency rental relief to help renters who were unable to work due to lockdowns. However, as these protections phased out in 2023 and 2024, many renters who had relied on these programs were left without the safety net they had come to depend on.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), federal emergency rental assistance, which provided billions in aid to tenants during the pandemic, has largely been depleted. As a result, renters in need of assistance are often left without options, and landlords, who are also grappling with their own financial pressures, are more likely to pursue evictions.
Eviction Trends and Regional Disparities
Eviction rates vary widely depending on the region, with some areas seeing significantly higher rates of displacement. In high-demand urban centers, the problem is most pronounced, with courts in cities like Chicago and Phoenix reporting significant increases in eviction filings. According to recent court data, eviction filings in Chicago have risen by 15% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Similarly, in Phoenix, where rents have spiked by over 10% in some neighborhoods, eviction rates have surged by 20% over the same period.
While some rural areas have seen more modest increases in eviction filings, the overall trend remains troubling across the country. The combination of high rents, low vacancy rates, and limited access to rental assistance has left many renters in precarious situations, unable to maintain stable housing.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
Eviction has a particularly severe impact on vulnerable communities, including low-income households, families with children, and communities of color. According to a 2024 study by the Eviction Lab, Black and Latino renters are disproportionately affected by eviction filings. These communities, which have historically faced barriers to wealth-building and homeownership, are often more likely to live in high-cost rental markets where eviction risk is higher.
Evictions not only disrupt families’ living situations but also have long-term consequences. Families facing eviction may struggle to find new housing, often facing higher rents in areas further from their jobs, schools, and support systems. The stigma associated with eviction can also make it more difficult for individuals to secure future housing, as landlords may be reluctant to rent to someone with an eviction record.
Policy Responses and Efforts to Address the Crisis
To address the rising eviction rates, local and state governments have begun implementing a range of measures aimed at preventing displacement and helping renters remain housed. Some cities have expanded their own rent control policies, limiting the extent to which landlords can raise rents. Others have introduced emergency rental assistance programs to help tenants caught up in financial hardship. For example, New York City has expanded its rental assistance program to include more tenants and has made efforts to streamline access to these resources.
In addition to these local programs, there has been increased advocacy at the federal level to address the eviction crisis. Housing advocacy groups are pushing for stronger tenant protections, including permanent eviction moratoriums in cases of non-payment due to extreme financial hardship, and greater funding for rental assistance programs. Lawmakers are also being urged to consider policies that promote affordable housing development, including easing zoning restrictions and providing incentives for developers to build low-income housing.
The Road Ahead: Addressing Housing Affordability and Eviction Risk
While the immediate rise in eviction rates is troubling, experts argue that the longer-term solution to the crisis lies in addressing the root causes of housing affordability and accessibility. The scarcity of affordable housing options in many cities, coupled with rising rents, has made stable housing a distant dream for many renters. Without a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing and stronger protections for renters, the risk of eviction will remain high.
As eviction rates continue to rise in 2025, the need for comprehensive policy solutions has never been more urgent. Addressing the housing affordability crisis, expanding tenant protections, and ensuring access to rental assistance are critical steps toward reducing eviction rates and ensuring that all Americans have access to safe, stable housing.