A new policy brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute revealed the impacts housing can have on your health — both directly and indirectly. 

The brief detailed three primary “pathways” to explain the effect a person’s living situation can have on their physical and mental health: housing conditions, neighborhood conditions and housing affordability. 

The institute said housing affordability — which is impacted by Utah’s ongoing housing crisis — can both directly and indirectly affect the health outcomes of Utahns. 

High housing costs can drive people into lower-quality homes, and housing affordability can also affect how much money someone is able to spend (or not spend) on healthcare. Housing affordability can also lead to homelessness, which is associated with higher rates of poor mental and physical health, according to the brief.

The brief said lower-quality housing (such as homes with water leaks, pest infestations, or other issues) is correlated with worse health outcomes. Poorly maintained housing can contribute to higher rates of indoor allergens, but a completed kitchen and adequate plumbing can help protect against disease, the brief explained. 

The brief also explained that a person’s neighborhood can have “profound implications” on their health, as unsafe neighborhoods can lead to worse mental and physical outcomes. On the other hand, the brief said access to affordable housing can limit stressors and support one’s mental health. 

“Improving housing quality and affordability and making investments in neighborhood conditions can positively impact Utahns’ health,” the brief said. “By addressing the state’s housing crisis, Utah is also investing in the health of its residents.”

The full policy brief — including graphs and statistics — can be viewed online through the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.