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Study: Nearly 1,900 Macon County households are severely cost-burdened; 322 live in substandard conditions
Summary
Bowen National Research reported that about 1,900 Macon County households spend over half their income on housing and 322 households live in overcrowded or plumbing/kitchen-deficient homes; the firm recommended short‑ and long‑term housing goals, senior housing, partnerships and a centralized housing resource center.
Patrick Bowen of Bowen National Research presented a housing-gap study to the Macon County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 12, reporting that 322 households in the county live in substandard housing (defined as overcrowding or lacking complete plumbing or kitchens). He said about 1,900 households are severely cost-burdened, paying more than 50% of income for housing; Bowen broke that figure into roughly 891 renters and 990 homeowners.
Bowen proposed a mix of immediate and long-range responses: set realistic short-term housing targets, track progress, revise relevant policies, encourage senior-oriented housing, launch public education and outreach campaigns to support housing initiatives, pursue development partnerships, and create a centralized housing resource center to connect residents and potential developers. He also recommended workforce and job training to raise earnings and suggested marketing to attract commuters who currently travel into the county to work.
Board members did not take a final vote tied to the presentation; the PowerPoint is available from the clerk's office. The presentation followed public comment and preceded other agenda items covering capital projects and post-storm recovery work.
