National data on evictions aren't collected, although national data on foreclosures are. And so if anyone wants to, kind of, get to know any statistical research about evictions, they have to really dig in the annals of legal records.

Matthew Desmond’s quote highlights a significant gap in national data collection, particularly around evictions. He points out that while there is ample data on foreclosures, national data on evictions is not systematically collected. This discrepancy reflects a broader issue in how housing instability is measured and understood in the United States. Evictions, as a major contributor to homelessness and economic instability, are often underreported in national statistics, making it harder to fully understand their scope and impact on individuals and communities.

Desmond’s statement emphasizes that if someone wants to understand the scale of evictions in the U.S., they must go beyond standard national reports and instead examine legal records, which are scattered and not easily accessible. This makes research on evictions more difficult and suggests that evictions, despite their significant societal consequences, have been historically overlooked in policy discussions compared to other housing-related issues, like foreclosures. The lack of comprehensive data also reflects the complexity of eviction cases, which often involve various factors such as local laws, tenant rights, and economic conditions.

The quote draws attention to the fact that evictions can be a powerful indicator of housing instability and poverty, yet they are often left out of broader social and economic research. This lack of accessible data makes it challenging for policymakers, researchers, and advocates to advocate for reforms or solutions to housing insecurity. Desmond’s work, especially in his book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, has sought to fill this gap by documenting the stories and experiences of those affected by eviction, bringing greater attention to this overlooked issue.

Desmond’s insight into the absence of data around evictions underlines a call to action for better tracking and understanding of housing instability. By pointing out that researching evictions requires digging into legal records, he underscores the need for more transparent and comprehensive systems to track housing-related issues and push for policy changes that address the root causes of eviction and its consequences on vulnerable populations.