BOISE, Idaho — The gap between what Idahoans earn and what they need to afford rent continues to grow, with renters in the state now needing to bring home nearly $28 an hour — or about $58,000 a year — to cover the cost of a modest two-bedroom home, according to a new housing report.

"It is absolutely getting worse every year," said Kendra Knighten, Idaho Asset Building Network policy director.

She said the figure represents nearly a $5 increase from last year, leaving many renters struggling to keep up with rising costs. The local policy group helped release the National Low Income Housing Coalition report .

"Twenty-eight dollars sounds about right," renter Sean McNearney said. "And that can even make it a little tight at times weirdly enough."

McNearney knows just how expensive lif

See Full Page