Austin’s Surge of New Housing Construction Drove Down Rents
Summary
Pew analyzes Austin's housing policy reforms since 2015, which removed zoning and permitting barriers and supported affordable housing through bonds and density bonuses. Between 2015 and 2024, Austin added 120,000 homes, rents declined from 2021 to 2026, and affordability improved for lower-income residents. The piece notes ongoing underproduction concerns and outlines forward-looking reforms to sustain housing growth.