New Study Details Dearborn County's Housing Needs

Monday, August 26, 2019 at 8:20 AM

By One Dearborn Inc., news release

Affordable housing is badly needed in Dearborn County, according to the study commissioned by One Dearborn Inc.

A new home under construction in Dearborn County. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - A housing study commissioned by One Dearborn Inc. shows that the county needs more opportunities for affordable housing as an economic-development tool, and for an aging population looking to downsize. 

Among the key findings of the study:

  • Households with annual incomes below $75,000 per year are lacking access to homes priced below $200,000.  
  • An aging population is ready for homes with less maintenance.
  • There is a predicted lack of growth in number of school age children in the coming years.
  • There is a need for housing for local workforce.  

The implementation plan recommends exploring programs that have been successful in other communities for first-time home buyers; closing the gap for builders through creative financing; exploring more housing density where appropriate; a pilot program for renovation of historic homes; and taking advantage of government housing programs. 

The Deaborn County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) previewed the Dearborn County Housing Market Analysis & Implementation Plan at a recent event coordinated by One Dearborn and sponsored by Civista Bank. DCHBA had been asked for their insights and concerns about the housing situation as the individuals closest to the issue, and those concerns were echoed by local community leaders during the development of the  Dearborn County Regional Economic Development Plan.  

“That plan identified housing as one of the ‘Big 8’ Economic Impact Drivers, and One Dearborn’s Board of Directors made the market analysis a high priority for 2019,” said One Dearborn president Terri Randall.  “An advisory team was assembled, included individuals with first-hand experience --  builders, realtors, banks, planners, land specialists, elderly services and community leaders.”

Ratio Design, Indianapolis was hired to lead the project. Ratio Design analyzed the Cincinnati housing market, Dearborn County market and divided the data into submarkets to ensure portions of the county that were uniquely different were carved out.

“We all agreed the study needed to take us well beyond a pile of data and get down to isolating the issues and building potential solutions,” said Randall.

“One Dearborn will continue to support efforts around these issues, especially with regard to being a partner to our local communities,” said Michael Schwebler, Highpoint Health CEO and One Dearborn board president. “We hope this information will be a starting point, help with planning and bring new ideas and solutions.”

The executive summary and full report is available on the One Dearborn website at http://www.1dearborn.org/?slug=news-reports. Questions can be directed to One Dearborn at trandall@1dearborn.org. 

RELATED STORIES:

One Dearborn Reveals 2019 Action Plan For Economic Development

More from Local News


Events

ISP-Versailles Post Conducts Targeted Enforcement Patrol

The "wolfpack" patrols are expected to continue throughout the state.

River Valley Resources to Host Taste of the Town Fundraiser

Taste of the Town brings together the best of Madison’s vibrant food scene

Top Sportsmanship Scores Announced for Schools

Several local schools were recognized.

Double First Base Coming to High School Baseball

The change has been approved but won't happen until 2027.

Harrison HS Grad Earns Scholar All-American Status

Gaven Johnson was equally good in the classroom and on the soccer pitch.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Trisha Yearwood - Every Girl In This Town

Chris Young and Kane Brown Famous Friends 16:37
Don Williams You're My Best Friend 16:34
Garth Brooks American Honky Tonk Bar Association 16:27
Cole Swindell Drinkaby 16:24