Housing study performed in Washington County

Washington County needs more single-family homes, townhomes or apartments and homes for multigenerational families, according to a housing study that was conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the county.

The study included a community survey completed by 300 citizens and identified the desire for more single-family homes, townhomes or apartments and homes for multigenerational families.

Amy Haase, from RDG Planning and Design, explained that after the survey, the Washington County Housing Partners, the communities of Wellman, Kalona, Riverside and Washington, spoke to realtors, lenders and other community members to hear their concerns and what they would like to see in Washington County.

She said one of the key components to attracting and retaining citizens is putting emphasis on the quality of life offered.

'To be competitive in a highly competitive market, especially in this region where we've got a lot of jobs and we're competing for all of those individuals who are trying to fill those jobs, that those quality-of-life pieces are sometimes just as important as having the house they will move into.”

In the city of Washington, the demand is for more housing in the $150,000 to $200,000 range as well as low-income housing. In order for the city to maintain a 0.5 percent annual growth, the city must build 209 units in the next 10 years.

She said because building that many units is not plausible, she suggests encouraging people who can afford to do so to purchase in the $200,000 to $250,000 range which will in effect free up the homes in the lower price range as well as occupy new builds.

Haase said the assets of the community are the strong job market, good schools and good housing stock. She explained that although there seems to be a lack of availability in rentals, there is only a shortage in vacancy. She said the vacancy rate in Washington is about 4 percent but she would like to see that raised over time.