The perception that the Mid-Hudson Valley is not an affordable place to live for the average family is commonly held among residents of the region. 64% of residents say the Mid-Hudson region is unaffordable including more than one out of ten residents who describes the region as not affordable at all.
At the county level, there are several modest differences. About two-thirds of residents in each county describe the region as not affordable including residents in Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. Residents of Putnam County are more likely to express this view and Columbia County residents are less likely to do so. 69% of Putnam County residents describe the region as too expensive, and 59% of Columbia County residents share this view.
Greene County residents divide on this issue. 51% of Greene County residents think the region is an expensive place to live but 49% describe it as affordable for the average family.
Most residents from all walks of life believe the region is an expensive place to live. A majority of residents, regardless of income, education, or racial or ethnic background, agree that the Mid-Hudson region is not affordable for the average family.
Understandably, people who have difficulty making ends meet are even more likely to share this view. For instance, residents who heavily depend on their monthly source of income to meet their bills and expenses are more likely than other residents to describe the region as not affordable. 74% of residents who would immediately run out of money to pay their bills if they were to lose their source of income and 70% of those who would not have enough money to pay their bills within one to three months of losing their income view the Mid-Hudson region as too expensive.
