Commentaries at the San Antonio Report provide space for our community to share perspectives and offer solutions to pressing local issues. The views expressed in this commentary belong to the author alone.
In San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, the rising cost of housing, stagnant wages and limited affordable options are creating barriers to stable housing, especially for low-income residents and communities of color. The city faces an affordable housing crisis that, if left unaddressed, will negatively impact its social and economic landscape.
Over the past decade, housing prices have surged, reducing affordable options for first-time homebuyers and renters, especially near jobs and schools. In 2014, the median home price was about $188,000. At the end of 2024, the median price was around $290,000. The average monthly rent in 2014 was just over $850 compared to just under $1,300 in 2024.
As of June, 95,000 households in Bexar County lacked affordable housing options. San Antonio’s local housing authority reports a waitlist of 65,920 people seeking housing.
Developers often prioritize high-end units, neglecting low-income residents and making newly developed homes in once-affordable neighborhoods unattainable for many. This shortage forces residents to allocate a larger portion of their income to housing, hindering their ability to meet basic needs like health care, education and transportation.
Why affordable housing matters
Affordable housing is more than shelter; it’s essential for health, stability and opportunity. Without it, families experience ongoing financial stress, limited mobility and negative health outcomes. A stable home is also vital for children’s academic success, as housing insecurity disrupts their education and social life.
Hispanic and Black communities face significant poverty and housing discrimination, encountering systemic barriers to homeownership and access. Discriminatory lending practices and restrictive zoning laws further limit affordable options. In San Antonio, where the Hispanic population is large, these challenges are intensified, as even minor rent increases or unexpected expenses can lead to eviction or homelessness for already struggling families.
A 2019 homeownership report found that Black residents owned homes at a rate of 41.2%, while white residents owned homes at a rate of 66.1%. A lower rate of home ownership was also observed among Hispanic residents compared to white residents.
The legacy of historical redlining can be seen throughout San Antonio. According to the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, these discriminatory practices continue to affect neighborhoods like Dignowity Hill. From 1999 to 2021, Black and Hispanic residents in the area remained in poverty due to increased property taxes and gentrification pressures. Research conducted by the Urban Institute in 2023 indicates that redlined areas, which are primarily populated by non-white communities, have adverse health outcomes, including shorter life expectancy.
How San Antonio can address affordable housing challenges
San Antonio’s affordable housing requires a versatile approach involving policy reform, community engagement and targeted investment. Potential strategies include increasing public-private partnerships, encouraging local legislation for inclusionary zoning and expanding rent and mortgage assistance programs.
Cities that have successfully addressed affordable housing shortages often use public-private partnerships to incentivize developers. San Antonio can encourage builders to include affordable units by offering tax breaks, grants and zoning flexibility. In return, developers would commit to maintaining lower-cost options, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods. When designed effectively, these partnerships can create mixed-income communities that promote diversity and economic sustainability.
Omaha, Nebraska, is seeing progress with this approach. Based on an American Planning Association report, Omaha has effectively utilized public-private partnerships to boost housing supply. In collaboration with organizations like Front Porch Investments, the city provides loans and grants to developers for affordable housing construction and renovations. As a result, the housing ecosystem in the city has been strengthened.
Inclusionary zoning policies require developers to reserve a percentage of new units for affordable housing. San Antonio could adopt these measures to ensure new developments are accessible to all income levels, prioritizing affordable units in areas with better access to transportation, schools and health care. This approach would help low-income families access essential resources for upward mobility.
Montgomery County, Maryland, has implemented this solution. According to a study, Montgomery County’s inclusionary zoning policy requires developers to include affordable housing units in new residential developments. In addition to promoting economic diversity and access to resources, this approach has successfully integrated affordable housing in the county.
Rent and mortgage assistance programs offer immediate relief for housing insecurity. By expanding these programs, San Antonio can help vulnerable families avoid homelessness during times of financial hardship. These programs are particularly helpful for seniors, single-parent households and individuals with disabilities who may already face housing challenges.
The solution has been used in Detroit, Michigan, where $1 billion worth of affordable housing has been built over the last five years. In addition, the city mandates that new housing developments using certain subsidies allocate at least 20% of units at affordable rates.
Prioritizing a sustainable, inclusive housing market
Affordable housing is a matter of social justice and equity. From a social work perspective, housing is a basic human right essential to well-being, dignity and community health. It is our profession’s ethical duty to advocate for solutions that uplift marginalized communities in the spirit of justice, dignity and cultural competence.
San Antonio’s Hispanic and Black communities are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis, with rising costs in lower-income neighborhoods pushing many into substandard housing. Stable, affordable housing is vital for building wealth, improving education and accessing health care. Expanding affordable housing initiatives can foster resilience and opportunity, leading to healthier neighborhoods with better health care access and reduced hazards. Prioritizing these initiatives will strengthen and uplift San Antonio’s minority communities.
It is imperative for policymakers, social workers and community leaders to ensure housing policies do not perpetuate discrimination but foster inclusivity for all residents. I urge San Antonio’s leaders, developers and residents to support policies that will help create a sustainable, inclusive housing market. Inclusionary zoning must be enforced, and funding for rent and mortgage assistance must be prioritized. Together, we can build a city with safe, affordable housing for all residents — an essential foundation for thriving communities. These steps will strengthen our city’s economic health and honor our commitment to social justice, equity and a brighter future for all San Antonians.
