The housing need is driven by various key characteristics. Household income, housing cost burden, household size and age composition, and housing type all play a significant role in determining the housing need for the county.

The household income data shows that residents will benefit most if there is a variety of housing types. The median annual household income averages around $77,400. Of that, approximately 6,900 households have annual incomes between $61,890 and $38,680, falling below the median average.

The second factor, Housing Cost Burden, measures the amount of income need for housing vs. the amount available to be spent. Based on the affordability definition of the household spending no more than 30% of its income on housing, a significant number of households in the county are paying more for their housing than they can afford. According to the Census, over 10,800 households are cost burdened, including almost 6,000 homeowners and almost 4,900 renters. The renter statistic is 42% of the County’s renter population. The overall Walworth County Housing Cost Burden is more than 26% of the county population.

On an average household income of $77,400, a homeowner/renter should be paying no more than $23,220 annually. How many of our young families, recent graduates, first responders, overall workforce population can afford that burden on top of general living costs, such as child care, health care, food and transportation?

Household size and age composition also plays an important part in the housing demand. The single- and two-person households, made up of both the young worker and those entering the 65 and over age may look for and benefit from the more affordable options that have a smaller footprint, and less upkeep. Both of these populations are a strong part of the county makeup, with the 65 and over group projected to grow from the 19.5% in 2024 to 22.5% of the overall population by 2025.

The housing demand for multifamily housing and the modest size home is projected to increase over the coming decades as well as the need for the growing families wanting to reside where they work and their children go to school. There is a good deal of work to be done if Walworth County is going to meet this ever growing demand.

The projected need by 2050 is an additional 6,000 homes. Given County and regional trends, providing affordable housing options will become increasingly important if Walworth County plans to continue to grow its population and economy. Meeting the housing needs within Walworth County is vital for the growth and the economic development and stability.

In response to ever growing need for additional housing that our workforce, senior and young can afford the Wisconsin Legislators are turning their attention to housing affordability. A housing package announced in September includes several key proposals:

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Local zoning ordinances would be updated to allow at least one ADU as a permitted use on every residential or mixed-use parcel.
Workforce Homeownership Program: A new initiative would offer 0% interest second mortgage loans — up to $60,000 or 25% of a home’s purchase price — to help working families cover down payments and closing costs. Flexible repayment terms, including deferred payment options, would make ownership more attainable.
Workforce Housing TIF Districts: A “Pay As You Go” tax increment district (TID) would allow a portion of tax revenue from new homes to offset subdivision infrastructure costs. This lowers development costs and encourages the construction of smaller, modestly priced homes that strengthen the “missing middle” of the housing market.
Streamlined Building Process: Proposals would also update building codes, zoning rules, and approval processes to reduce delays and improve collaboration between local governments and developers.

Industry leaders have voiced support for these measures, noting the urgency of Wisconsin’s housing crisis.

Taking the lead from our state legislator, it is time to get to work to solve this housing shortage in Walworth County.