The University of Cincinnati Economics Center provides unbiased, non-partisan economic data and analyses that enable clients to make informed financial, policy, economic and workforce development decisions. For more than 20 years, the Economic Center has been the choice organization to provide critical data analyses that empower business and civic leaders to respond to changing economic conditions, strengthen local economies, and improve the quality of life for their communities.
Established in 1910, Ohio REALTORS is the largest professional trade organization in Ohio with more than 36,000 real estate professionals (REALTORS). Through advocacy, engagement and leadership, Ohio REALTORS protects private property rights and advances the real estate industry in Ohio.
This analysis examines the supply and demand of Ohio's workforce housing between 2015 and 2021 as well as in JobsOhio Regions. Workforce housing is defined as housing affordable to households with income between 60% and 120% of the area median income (AMI). For the purposes of this analysis, the area median income refers to the median income of each respective county in Ohio.
The supply of workforce housing is described using historical residential property transactions as well as permits issued for new construction of privately-owned, single-family homes. To provide additional context, characteristics of the existing housing stock as well as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics in Ohio are explored. Economic indicators are detailed to further contextualize Ohio workforce housing.
The roundtable discussions the Economics Center held with stakeholders across Ohio are summarized in addition to possible solutions. This research is intended to inform the development and implementation of a comprehensive workforce housing strategy in Ohio to assist in its long-term growth.