The backbone of the Housing Solutions Network is our volunteer Housing Action Teams. These teams work independently to achieve shared goals that impact workforce 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’s Housing Crisis by the Numbers
Jefferson County is the third most unaffordable county in Washington State, following San Juan County.
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
18% of housing units in Jefferson County are vacant, either all year or for a large portion of the year. These are both seasonal and non-seasonal second homes. This lowers the supply of housing and increasing costs for permanent year-round residents.
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.