Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000CHAPTER 8: BUILT ENVIRONMENT
HOUSING
69. Housing Affordability
To describe housing affordability in Mesa County, we utilized a School District Cost of Living Study. Prepared for the State Legislature, this study measures the cost of the same items in each school district including housing, goods and services, transportation, and taxes. Data are presented for each of the three school districts.
The calculation of housing affordability allows for one third of monthly income to be spent on housing.
Two income families are more likely than single income families to find affordable housing. However, since we're looking at average housing costs, it is more accurate to compare it to average income. Included in the cost of housing in the study are: mortgage costs of principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. It also includes the cost of utilities and maintenance.
May link to . . .
- Construction
- Wages
Figure 8-4: Housing Affordability, 1997
Source: 1997 School District Cost of Living Study, T.Y. Pickett & Co.
70. Availability and Affordability of Rental Housing
Figure 8-6 shows that vacancy rates have increased since 1995.
Development has increased, and the near zero vacancy rates reflected in the 1995 assessment have given way to housing construction and more affordable housing. The third quarter 1997 vacancy rate was 5.9%. A 5% vacancy rate is considered a healthy market. Pockets of poor quality housing at high prices persist.
Figure 8-5: Rental Prices in Mesa County
Source: Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Figure 8-6: Vacancy Rates in Mesa County
Source: Colorado Department of Local Affairs
71. Number of Elderly and Families in Assisted Housing
The Grand Valley's assisted housing is provided both by private landlords and the Grand Junction Housing Authority.
The total number of families in assisted housing as of June, 1998 is 1, 861 a 29% increase since 1990 when the total number was 1,443. The majority of increase is due to expansion of the housing authorityΥs rental assistance program.
The majority of households receiving housing assistance are elderly and disabled households.
Longevity in Assisted Housing
- Less than two years 34%
- Two to five years 33%
- Five years or longer 33%
Average household Income
- Elderly $7,946
- Disabled $7,934
- Families $9,881
Profile of households served
- Elderly 26.0%
- Disabled 30.0%
- Families 44.0%
Source of Income
- Social Security / SSI / Pensions 57%
- Wages 27%
- AFDC 12%
- Other 4%
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