Every HUD-assisted property receives a physical-condition inspection score from 0 to 100. Lease Lantern has scores for 22,606 properties, and aggregating them by state reveals where subsidized housing is kept in the best — and worst — physical shape. The nationwide average is a reassuring 90 out of 100, with 15,628 properties (69%) scoring 90 or above and only 693 (about 3%) falling into the “distressed” range below 60.
States with the highest average scores
Several states post average inspection scores of 92–93, meaning the typical property is in excellent condition:
- New Hampshire, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico — average score 93
- Massachusetts, Illinois, and California — average score 92
States with the lowest average scores
At the other end, average scores dip into the mid-80s — still passing, but with a larger share of aging or troubled buildings:
- Washington, D.C. — average score 83
- New Mexico — 85
- Mississippi and Delaware — 86
- Maryland and Georgia — 87
How to use a score
A score is a useful screen, not a verdict: a 95 signals a well-run building, while anything under 60 is a genuine red flag worth asking the manager about. For a fuller breakdown of what these numbers mean and how the tail of distressed properties is distributed, see our deep dive on what 22,600 inspection scores reveal and our guide to understanding HUD inspection scores. You can see each property’s score on its listing — start by choosing your state.
What the score actually measures
The inspection score reflects the physical condition of a property’s site, building exterior, common areas, systems, and a sample of units — not management quality, neighborhood, or how a tenant is treated. A high score means the bones of the building are sound; it does not guarantee a great landlord. That is why these numbers are most useful alongside resident reviews and a visit. The spread between the best states (93) and the lowest (83) is modest in absolute terms but meaningful: a ten-point gap in averages translates into a much larger share of aging, deferred-maintenance buildings in the lower-scoring states.