Housing Inequalities in Metropolitan Cities: The Case of Low and Middle Income Populations in Hyderabad, Sindh

Abstract

This study explores housing inequalities and disparities in access to basic urban services among low- and middle-income populations in Hyderabad City, a second metropolitan city in Sindh, Pakistan. Based on data collected from 1,000 respondents through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, the research investigates socioeconomic status, housing characteristics, and service availability to reveal patterns of urban inequality. The findings show that majority of respondents earn ≤20,000 PKR per month, while nearly 49% of households rely on a single income earner, reflecting widespread economic vulnerability. A significant 67% live in rental housing, and 48.5% reside in overcrowded two- to three-room dwellings, highlighting the shortage of affordable and adequate housing. Migration trends further emphasize Hyderabad’s role as an urban attraction, with many of respondents being migrants, primarily moving for employment and education. However, this influx has placed pressure on the city’s limited infrastructure and municipal services. Respondents reported high levels of dissatisfaction with essential utilities particularly gas, sanitation, and tap water alongside inadequate access to schools, roads, and parks. These findings underscore how uneven urban development perpetuates social and spatial exclusion within the city’s low- and middle-income communities. The study concludes that addressing housing inequalities in metropolitan cities like Hyderabad requires integrated policy interventions focusing on affordable housing provision, infrastructure enhancement, and inclusive urban planning. Strengthening municipal governance and investment in core public services are essential to improving the living standards and social well-being of vulnerable urban populations. The instrument’s strong internal reliability, verified through Cronbach’s alpha, supports the credibility of the data and provides a robust foundation for future research and policy action.