Networking our local housing champions
Welcome to your one-stop-shop for learning about and engaging with housing solutions in Jefferson County!
Here are some of our emerging projects and updates:
- Check out the latest Permit Navigator videos for ADU permitting support
- Discover local home-sharing inspirations
- Find Eviction Prevention Resources and Landlord / Tenant Law changes
- Fill unoccupied houses through the Neighbor To Neighbor program
- Commit to selling and renting your house locally
- Receive our monthly-ish newsletter
- Read the Housing Declaration and join the call to action
Housing Action Teams
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.
Affordable Housing 101
New to the topic of housing affordability? Learn the basics of how housing becomes affordable and find resources on how to learn more.
Stories of Impact
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’s Housing Crisis by the Numbers
Jefferson County is the third most unaffordable county in Washington State (following San Juan and King County, and tied with Clallam County)
University of Washington’s Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies (2020)
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 $276,600 to $455,000 between 2015-2020; an unbelievable jump of 65% in just five years
University of Washington’s Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies (2020)
The lack of housing is a major barrier to economic development throughout the County. Employers, including the City and County, are losing employees due to housing insecurity.
Housing Solutions Network
Read more about how this is impacting us all at Our Community Challenge.
