The backbone of the Housing Solutions Network is our volunteer Housing Action Teams. These teams work independently to achieve shared goals that impact affordable housing.
Jefferson County is full of stories of struggle and stories of hope. Here, you’ll find personal stories of those who have been impacted by our housing crisis, as well as those who are making a difference.
Jefferson County Housing Crisis by the Numbers
Jefferson County is the third most unaffordable county in Washington State
University of Washington’s Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies
47% of Jefferson County renters are cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on rent.
American Community Survey
Rental vacancy rates hover between 0-1% (the national average is around 7%), so that even those with stable incomes simply cannot find available housing
Washington State Dept. of Commerce
25% of units in the County sit vacant for a large portion of the year (likely for part-time residents or vacation rentals), lowering the supply of housing and increasing costs for permanent year-round residents
Jefferson County Housing Element (2018)
Median home prices have increased from $241,700 to $361,900 between 2015-2018 – an unbelievable jump of 49% in just three years
University of Washington’s Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies
The lack of housing is a major barrier to economic development throughout the County. Jefferson Healthcare regularly posts 60 employment vacancies, due in part to the lack of workforce housing.