Only 16 rentals listed in WA are within reach of the State’s childcare and hospitality workers, according to a new report that has warned high rents are forcing more families into poverty.

Anglicare WA’s latest rental affordability snapshot found that the highest-earning essential workers — ambulance officers, firefighters and teachers — could only afford two per cent of the 3523 available properties.

“The report shows that affordable accommodation for the people that we rely on as a community has dried up,” Anglicare WA chief executive Mark Glasson said.

“This is a productivity issue for Western Australia as well as a housing issue.

“If you can’t provide affordable housing, you can’t get people into those positions where they are most needed.”

The report found the rental crisis is ev

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