A new statewide poll shows housing affordability remains the top concern for New Yorkers, with nearly six in 10 adults citing it as the most important issue in their communities.
According to a survey conducted by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, 59% of respondents ranked housing affordability as their leading local concern. Crime followed at 18%, with access to health care at 9%, public school quality at 7% and climate change at 6%.
The poll surveyed 1,552 adults across New York State and found broad agreement across geographic regions. Housing was identified as the top issue by 61% of urban residents, 60% of suburban residents and 53% of rural residents.
In addition, 35% of respondents said lawmakers should make housing the top priority when developing the state budget. Public safety ranked second at 25%, followed by health care at 23%.
Urban residents were most likely to support prioritizing housing funding, with 45% listing it as their top budget concern. That compared with 30% of rural residents and 28% of suburban residents.
Michael J. Borges, executive director of the Rural Housing Coalition of New York State, said the results show current efforts have not been effective.
“The polling shows that current state funding levels and policies to address the housing crisis have not alleviated voters’ concerns over housing affordability, so much more needs to be done,” Borges said.
Nearly half of those surveyed cited a limited housing supply as the main cause of affordability problems. That figure rose to 52% in urban areas and 50% in suburban communities. In rural areas, 37% identified limited supply as the leading factor.
Zoning and environmental regulations that restrict development were the second most common concern, cited by 15% of respondents statewide.
Borges called on state leaders and the New York State Legislature to increase housing investments.
“We urge the Legislature to reverse the Executive Budget cuts to housing programs, particularly those serving rural New York, and invest additional state funding to address voters’ concerns,” he said.
The full survey report is available through the Rural Housing Coalition of New York State.
