BISMARCK – September 26, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) presented the Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, which projects significant population growth and increased demand for housing through 2025, to the North Dakota Industrial Commission at Monday’s meeting. The Assessment was completed by the Center for Social Research at North Dakota State University.
“With North Dakota’s strong economy and the thousands of new jobs that have been created, the state has seen significant growth,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “The Statewide Housing Needs Assessment will help us in our continuing work to expand affordable housing in communities throughout the state.”
The study projects a 25.2 percent increase in population from 2010 to 2025, bringing the state’s population to about 841,820 people, up from the 2010 Census figure of 672,591. The assessment considers population, housing supply and demand, special populations and substandard housing and other factors on a statewide basis, as well as by planning regions, counties, American Indian reservations and the 12 largest cities.
“North Dakota has seen dramatic increases in population in the last several years,” said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. “Those increases are expected to continue and that means 90,000 more housing units will be needed to keep pace with demand.”
All levels of income and ages of households are expected to increase, the assessment reports.
“More job opportunities have reversed the historic trend of younger families leaving the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “The need for safe, decent and affordable housing, especially for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, will be stronger than ever.”
NDHFA commissioned the assessment as an update to a 2004 report. Project partners include the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the cities of Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck and Williston, CommunityWorks North Dakota, the North Dakota Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officers, the Grand Forks Housing Authority and the North Dakota Association of Builders.
“With so many changes in our communities in North Dakota, we often hear about the need for reliable data on the ongoing demand for housing in the state – that’s why we commissioned this study,” said Mike Anderson, NDHFA executive director. “This assessment gives us a clear picture to make good planning decisions for the affordable housing future of North Dakota.”
The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Gov. Jack Dalrymple as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees NDHFA.
Media Contacts:
NDFHA – Max Wetz, 701-328-8098 or info (at) ndhfa (dot) org
