A housing needs analysis presented at the Nov. 17 Decatur County commissioners meeting recommended diversifying the county’s housing supply to retain workers and serve an aging population.

The consultant, Brian (role/title not specified), told commissioners the county has seen population growth since 2000 but faces an aging demographic and a shortage of housing choices. "We have about a matter of 4,500 commuters coming into Decatur County," Brian said, arguing those workers represent potential residents if the county can offer a broader set of housing options. He also noted that "83% of our housing stock is single family in Decatur County," a concentration he said limits options for seniors, recent graduates and workers seeking lower‑maintenance or medium‑density homes.

Why it matters: Commissioners and county staff said the analysis should inform the county’s forthcoming comprehensive plan and local outreach. The consultant said medium‑density products — duplexes, townhomes and targeted 55+ neighborhoods — could attract both older residents seeking lower‑maintenance living and younger employees who do not want large apartment complexes or the maintenance of a standalone house.

Key findings and local context: The presentation summarized demographic trends (noted increases in residents aged 55+), rising housing costs consistent with national patterns, falling vacancy rates and a heavy reliance on single‑family construction in new developments. The presenter also flagged infrastructure constraints, especially water and wastewater capacity, in Saint Paul and New Point as potential limits on new development.

What comes next: The presenter said the study will be posted on the county website and that the findings will be incorporated into the broader comprehensive plan work, which the county expects to move forward with a steering committee meeting on Dec. 11 and community workshops in January 2026. Officials said the analysis would help the county and cities market opportunities to developers and guide priorities for infrastructure investment.

The presenters credited a collaboration between the city, county and respective redevelopment commissions and indicated more detailed recommendations will be available as the comprehensive‑plan process advances.