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Housing study finds median home price $223K and urges more apartments, public-private partnerships
Summary
Consultants told the Traill County EDC the county’s median home price is $223K and that insufficient supply—especially for apartments and income-restricted units—is limiting growth; consultants recommended zoning education and public-private partnerships for multifamily housing.
Consultants from Burian & Associates and Praxis presented the 2026 Traill County housing study to the Economic Development Commission, reporting a median home price of $223K and that most transactions fall between $175K and $275K. The study found Traill County more affordable than nearby Cass and Grand Forks counties but said a tight housing market and rising renovation costs have slowed sales at the lower end of the market.
The report noted a structural shift in local employment: manufacturing employment that was below the national average 15 years ago is now about 40 percent above the national average, while the health care sector has slipped slightly, likely tied in part to contracting and housing constraints. Consultants recommended prioritizing apartments and income-restricted housing, citing insufficient supply across multiple demographics and stating that multifamily development will likely require public-private partnerships because median rents alone do not support new construction.
Burian & Associates suggested several tactics for the county and partners: coordinated economic development communications and outreach, educational efforts to update zoning and homeowners association rules to allow alternative housing types, and targeted public-private financing to bridge gaps for multifamily projects. The presenters emphasized the county’s relatively young demographics and above-average household incomes as factors that could support growth if housing supply increases.
The presentation and board discussion concluded without any formal vote on housing policy; board members directed staff to incorporate the study findings into strategic planning and lot-inventory work.
