West Cook News

There were 140,735 people who used housing choice vouchers in Cook County in 2021, according to the U.S. Census.

This is a 2.2% increase over the previous year.

Of those using vouchers in Cook County, 94% identified as a minority.

Housing vouchers are applied for by low-income families needing assistance to pay their rent or secure housing. However, the housing voucher does not cover everything. Users must pay 30% of their income for rent and utilities, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that families wait roughly two-and-a-half years to receive a voucher, and many never reach the top of the list despite waiting for years.

The report also found that the housing choice voucher program is beset with government red tape, which makes it difficult for people in need.

Year	Housing Choice Vouchers Used	% Difference From Prior Year
2021	140,735	-2.2%
2020	143,845	-0.2%
2019	144,099	-1.1%
2018	145,660	1.8%
2017	143,087	-