In response to the coronavirus pandemic, policymakers are considering ideas for broad relief (e.g., universal cash transfers) as well as more targeted measures (e.g., industry bailouts). When designing these latter policies, it may be useful to think about the needs and characteristics of the targeted population.
In a previous post, we presented some of the demographic, income, and geographic characteristics of leisure and hospitality workers, who have been disproportionately harmed by the economic impact of the pandemic. We expand on that analysis here with other characteristics that might be important for policy, showing that leisure and hospitality workers tend to live in cities and are more likely to rent, rather than own their homes.
Figure 1 shows that leisure and hospitality workers tend to live in metropolitan areas, especially in cities. About 34 percent of leisure and hospitality workers live in cities, compared to 29 percent of workers in other industries. These workers are more likely to be affected by city-wide shutdowns and also likely face increased costs of living.
Figure 2 shows that 47 percent of leisure and hospitality workers rent, rather than own their homes, compared to 32 percent of workers in other industries. While federal policymakers have announced temporary mortgage relief for homeowners, leisure and hospitality workers are less likely to benefit from this measure than their peers.
Austin Herrick conducted this analysis as part of a larger analysis of the demographics of the leisure and hospitality sector and Kody Carmody wrote this blog.
MetropolitanStatus,Other Industries,Hospitality Industry Central City,0.285834056,0.33877189 Outside Central City,0.462236501,0.427198585 Not In A Metropolitan Area,0.117861502,0.100874425
Homeownership,Other Industries,Hospitality Industry Renters,0.316572138,0.471325421 Homeowners,0.683427862,0.528674579