Stark County’s Housing Crisis
Like many markets across the United States, Stark County faces a shortage of middle-income housing. Our 2023 housing study revealed the median income here was $63,000 annually, while the median home listing price was $225,000. To afford that, a household would need $83,000 annually. This “affordability gap” is at the center of Stark County’s middle-income housing crisis.
What is Middle-Income Housing?
Middle-income housing is affordable for young professionals, newlyweds, working families, retirees, and others making between $35,000 and $100,000 annually. These individuals and families can comfortably afford a monthly housing cost between $800 and $2,000. Middle-income housing is quality housing with amenities desirable to these buyers and renters that doesn’t require extensive renovation. Inventory for owner-occupied and rental units in this range is scarce.
Stark County will need an additional 12,877 middle-income housing units in the next five years to keep up with demand.
Build It … They’re Already Here
We’ll need to explore new option, like innovative building methods, and rethink minimum standards around home size, lot size, and parking spaces. Panelized homes, 3-D printed homes, and multi-family homes will be considered, all of which can offer a quicker turnaround from footer to walking through the front door. Buyers for middle-income housing are already in Stark County. So, there will be an instant hot market if we can increase the supply of middle-income housing.
Rippling Benefits
The ripple effects beyond just those looking for middle-income housing will be immense and will pay dividends for Stark County. Real estate, banking, retail, construction, and other industries will see increased activity, leading to better wages and additional tax revenue. Stark County’s ability to attract and retain both workers and businesses will have a positive impact as we position ourselves as a leader in total quality of life. Existing and new businesses alike will reap rewards because their employees will be able to acquire the types of housing they desire and will stay in our community.
Widespread Buy-in
Stark County’s middle-income housing movement will need support from everyone. Renters to homebuyers to homebuilders to lenders to realtors to elected officials to business owners to community leaders and more, it will take a village (better yet, an entire county) to tackle our middle-income housing shortage. We encourage you to be an active ingredient in the recipe for this much-needed solution to make Stark County even stronger. The Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark aim to eliminate the housing imbalance for middle-income Stark County residents by 2030. To provide your feedback, or to find out how you can lend a hand, contact us today.
By the Numbers
goal date for eliminating our housing balance
number of new middle-income housing units needed by 2030
max middle-income families can afford in monthly housing
Stark County’s median income
median Stark County home listing price