Northern Kentucky: A Place for All, A Place for You.
THE FACTS TELL US
Affordable Living Starts with More Housing
At the heart of every thriving community is housing that people can afford. In Northern Kentucky, many families are feeling the strain of rising housing costs and limited availability. This disconnect between housing supply and housing demand is affecting everyone, from families trying to buy their first homes to public servants being priced out of their own communities.
Understanding the Issue:
What is income-aligned housing? Income-aligned housing means that the monthly cost of housing (rent or mortgage payment and utilities) is not more than 30% of the household’s income. If a household pays more than 30% of its income on rent or mortgage payments, there is a housing cost burden.
Kentucky Housing Study: Source
Source: Northern Kentucky Multiple Listing Service
The Link Between Supply and Price:
- There is a clear connection between available housing inventory and prices.
- As housing inventory decreases, median home prices rise, making homes less affordable for middle-income families.
- Northern Kentucky must prioritize building middle housing for individuals and families earning $60,000 or less, such as teachers, nurses, and public service workers.
- Without enough housing options, families are being priced out of their own communities, reducing regional inclusivity.
Kentucky Housing Study: Source
Source: Northern Kentucky Multiple Listing Service
The Impact of High Demand and Low Inventory:
- Northern Kentucky has a significant shortage of income-aligned housing.
- To meet housing demand over the next five years, the region needs 6,650 additional units.
- For households earning $60,000 or less, there is only 1 income-aligned home for every 2 households, creating high competition and driving up prices.
- The greatest need is for housing options between $500 and $1,500 per month.
- This shortage affects not only buyers but also homeowners looking to move up or downsize, creating a bottleneck in the housing market.
Kentucky Housing Study: Source
Aging in Place and Diverse Housing Stock:
- Northern Kentucky must address the needs of residents who want to age in place and stay in their communities.
- There is a shortage of housing options for seniors and those with lower incomes, making it hard for them to remain in the community.
- Expanding the supply of diverse walkable communities—where residents can live near shops, parks, and services—supports inclusivity for families, seniors, and future generations.
Source: Northern Kentucky Multiple Listing Service
It’s time to join together to make
Northern Kentucky a place for all.
We need to expand the supply of income-aligned housing and ensure middle-income families can stay in the communities they serve. By supporting smart growth, modernized building practices, and zoning reforms, we can create A Place for All—a community where everyone can live, thrive, and build wealth for future generations.