Statistical Study of Housing Quality Indicators in Low-Income Settlements in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Housing quality in low-income urban settlements of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria, is characterised by persistent deficits in structural integrity, sanitation, and overcrowding that statistical profiling can translate into actionable urban planning evidence. This study statistically characterises housing quality indicators among households in three low-income settlements in Port Harcourt. A systematic random sample of 260 households in Rumuola, Diobu, and Borokiri communities participated in structured household surveys. Indicators assessed included wall material, roof material, floor type, room-to-person ratio, drinking water access, and toilet facility type. A composite Housing Quality Index (HQI) was computed for each household using factor analysis-derived weights. Frequency distributions, means, and confidence intervals were computed for each indicator. Mean rooms per person was 0.74 (SD = 0.38), indicating severe overcrowding by international standards (threshold 1.0). Improved water access was available to 54 percent of households. HQI scores followed approximately normal distribution (mean = 48.6 out of 100, SD = 16.4). Income quartile was the strongest predictor of HQI in regression analysis (beta = 0.47, p < 0.001). Settlements with community boreholes showed significantly higher water access scores. The study provides a statistically robust housing quality baseline for low-income Port Harcourt and recommends it as an evidence base for the Rivers State Urban Renewal Authority's slum upgrading programme targeting. Keywords: housing quality index, low-income settlements, Port Harcourt, factor analysis, Rivers State