COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The National Low Income Housing Coalition released its annual report last week, and data shows fair housing is difficult to achieve in Columbus. According to the report, Columbus residents would have to work 2.5 full-time minimum wage jobs in order to afford the average f air market rent in the city, much more than the state average. At large, Ohio residents need to work 1.6 full-time minimum wage jobs -- 64 hours a week -- to afford a one-bedroom home in the state. The nonprofit looked at average fair market rent, a federally calculated rate based on locational rent averages that is used in housing voucher programs. In the Columbus metropolitan area, the rate for a one-bedroom unit varies by zip code, ranging from $960 in to $1,790 per month. This data includes zip codes across seven central Ohio counties, with lower averages in more rural counties farther from the city. How immigration fueled Columbus' post-pandemic growth To afford fair market rent and utilities without paying more than 30% of their income -- the typical standard for how much of a paycheck should go to housing -- Columbus area residents would need to make $25.04 an hour, or just over $52,000 per year. Ohio's minimum wage is $10.70 per hour for nontipped employees, just 43% of the necessary salary to afford housing in Columbus. Although 32% of extremely low-income renter households are actively working, the largest percentage share, many others are unable to work. Extremely low-income renter households also include disabled, senior or single-adult caregiver homes unable to work many typical labor jobs, as well as full-time students. Bill would extend working hours for teens Although citizens are most likely affected by the gap between income and rent, there are limited options for residents to fix the larger project. The report asks Congress and the General Assembly to bridge the gap between incomes and rent. Among these recommendations are establishing rental assistance programs and offering tax credits. Lawmakers tell NBC4 they are working hard to address housing concerns, and low-income housing opportunities are receiving state and city support. However, the housing crisis continues, and the report said it will likely persist until the gap between average income and average rent is remedied. See previous coverage on the housing shortage in the video player above. ...read more read less