Jennifer Gonzalez
Public Information Officer, Kewaunee County
Office: (920) 388-0567
Email: gonzalez.jennifer@kewauneeco.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2021
Kewaunee County Housing Study Focuses on Quantity & Quality
KEWAUNEE COUNTY, WI – Kewaunee County has a demand for single family homes, senior living units as well as rentals, according to a new housing study by Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission (Bay-Lake RPC).
“The housing study by Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission was conducted to help us identify ways to solve the gaps within Kewaunee County,” said Scott Feldt, Kewaunee County Administrator. “It is proven that investing in housing improves quality of life, draws employers and employees, and boosts the economy through property tax revenue.”
The Bay-Lake RPC study reports that over the next 20 years, Kewaunee County, which has an estimated population of fewer than 21,000 residents as indicated by Census Data, is projected to grow by less than 60 people per year with its current infrastructure. Research shows that of the roughly 9,400 housing units in the County, according to a 2018 American Community Survey, nearly 90 percent are occupied and two-thirds are 50 years or older, possibly making those homes less desirable due to age and need for repairs. It also reveals that there are approximately just 330 senior units in the County, according to SeniorGuidance.org, which is about one unit for every 120 residents. And, the County has an extremely low number of overall rentals with under 1,500 units.
“In order to address our housing issues in Kewaunee County, we need to find ways to overcome hurdles such as the limited amount of available land for new housing. Also, due to increasing construction costs, we need to get creative with housing solutions to match the median income of our residents, which could be building smaller homes that appeal to multiple generations, like seniors and millennials,” said Feldt.
To view the Bay-Lake RPC Housing Study Report, visit www.kewauneeco.org.
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