Publication Date: July 7th, 2025
Publication Type: Policy Brief
Topic(s): Health Disparities and Health Equity, Poverty, Rural Statistics and Demographics, Social Determinants of Health
Author(s): Henning-Smith C, Schroeder J, Swendener A, Pick M, and Lahr M
Manufactured homes (formerly known as mobile homes) can provide an affordable housing option, especially in places with few other options. However, manufactured homes are associated with poorer health outcomes and are less well equipped to protect their residents from the effects of natural disasters than more permanent housing structures. This brief examines rates of living in manufactured homes by rural and urban location, as well as rates among rural residents by region and socio-demographic characteristics. We also examine differences in crowded housing, housing quality, and housing cost burden by manufactured vs. more permanent housing structures.