Michigan's Aging Home Stock Threatens Affordable Housing Goals
Around 60% of Michigan's homes were built before 1970, giving the state a median home age of 53 years and creating a major hurdle for affordable housing.
Roughly 60% of occupied dwellings in Michigan—about 2.5 million units—were constructed in or before 1973, resulting in a median home age of 53 years, eight years older than the national median. The aging stock, especially dense around Detroit and Grand Rapids, brings issues such as old water heaters, failing roofs, asbestos tile, lead paint and outdated wiring, which increase costs for buyers and deter first-time purchasers whose median age rose to 40 last year.
Lawmakers have introduced zoning reforms to accelerate new construction, but those bills remain stalled, meaning the next governor will inherit a contentious debate. Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James both promise to make housing more affordable, yet neither has presented specific strategies for the old-home challenge. State bodies like the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Home Builders Association of Michigan promote tax credits, energy-efficiency upgrades, and repair grants, while similar programs exist in neighboring states. The situation reflects the lingering impact of the Great Recession, which saw building permits plunge from 54,000 in 2005 to 6,900 by 2009.
Why it matters
Old homes raise costs and limit affordable housing options for Michigan residents.
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