The U.S. American Housing Survey / Census 2019 reporting states about 19.6 million households (≈16%) lacked a washer/dryer. About 5 million households (14%) with an individual 65 years old or older did not have a washer and dryer.

Millions of Americans use laundromats regularly (industry estimates range ~30–35 million people) reports The Laundry Boss. Primary users: apartment renters, students, low-income households. Approximately 60% of laundromat users are renters Usage is highest among households earning under $50,000 per year.

Typical laundromat cost: most sources put wash per load between $4.00 (low) and $8.00+ (high) depending on location and machine size, with the median being $6.00 per load and $2.50 per dry — this adds up to approximately $140 per month for a family of four.

Laundromat users disproportionately include renter households, low-income households, Medicaid enrollees, and urban residents.

According to the American Journal of Managed Care, Recent research surveying laundromat customers found a majority of laundromat users had Medicaid and had disproportionately high levels of unmet health-related social needs (food insecurity, utilities, etc.). This supports that laundromat users are often low-income and have multiple barriers to stability.

Studies of social service access repeatedly list lack of transportation as a key barrier to reaching essential services. For people without a vehicle, needing to carry large loads (bedding, children’s clothes) to a laundromat via transit or walking is a significant burden (time, cost, safety).

Race & ethnicity: national appliance ownership / housing surveys show lack of in-unit laundry is concentrated among renters and lower-income households, and poverty statistics show Black and Hispanic households are overrepresented among lower-income and renter populations in many counties — which correlates with higher laundromat reliance.

Age: younger householders (renters, apartments) are more likely to lack in-unit appliances; older homeowners are less likely. Children are indirectly affected because their families may have limited access to frequent or large loads.

Income: laundromat users skew low income; research finds many laundromat users are Medicaid enrollees or below/near poverty level.

SNAP / TANF / Medicaid / LIHEAP — these safety-net programs do not pay for laundry directly, but they relieve other costs so families can afford services; Medicaid is a marker of vulnerability among laundromat users.