U.S. metro areas with the highest eviction rates 2015-2017
Between 2015 and 2017, Memphis, Tennessee had the highest eviction rate at 6.1 percent. The metropolitan areas with the next highest eviction rates were Phoenix (Arizona), Atlanta (Georgia), Indianapolis (Indiana) and Dallas (Texas) in that period.
Why do evictions occur?
Eviction rate refers to the share of renters who are legally removed from a rental property by their landlord, because rent is overdue, the tenant has breached a condition of the rental agreement or for other legally permitted reasons.
Higher rates in the South and Midwest
Eviction rates tend to be higher in the South and Midwest of the country, because median incomes are low and foreclosure rates are high. Vacancy rates are consistently higher in the South and Midwest than in the Northeast and West, which means that landlords cannot afford to be as picky when choosing a tenant in the South and Midwest. Tenants who struggle to pay their rent have a much lower chance of being chosen as tenant in the more competitive rental markets, which also keeps the eviction rates lower in those areas.
Why do evictions occur?
Eviction rate refers to the share of renters who are legally removed from a rental property by their landlord, because rent is overdue, the tenant has breached a condition of the rental agreement or for other legally permitted reasons.
Higher rates in the South and Midwest
Eviction rates tend to be higher in the South and Midwest of the country, because median incomes are low and foreclosure rates are high. Vacancy rates are consistently higher in the South and Midwest than in the Northeast and West, which means that landlords cannot afford to be as picky when choosing a tenant in the South and Midwest. Tenants who struggle to pay their rent have a much lower chance of being chosen as tenant in the more competitive rental markets, which also keeps the eviction rates lower in those areas.
