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Abstract:
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The physical condition of a person’s home plays a large role in that person’s overall quality of life. This paper attempts to measure housing quality through a standardized index and determine factors, such as social groups and economic characteristics, that impact living conditions. Specifically, we focus on disparities based on ownership status, comparing renters and owners. Using data collected by the New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey, we analyze relevant factors, such as location, house value, and demographic information, and how the impact of these factors on the housing index changes over time. We first conclude that renters and owners do in fact face different levels of housing quality. We also point out that some factors become more detrimental to housing quality over time while others become beneficial. We recommend further investigation into these housing quality disparities to inform policies that improve quality of life in New York City.
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