The problem

The 2023-2027 Garrett County Economic Development Strategic Plan identified housing as a primary topic and states, “Inventory of affordable, livable homes is very low. Inventory of long-term rental homes is low to non-existent. The inventory of new homes is not accessible to long-term residents due to pricing.” The lack of affordable housing affects all adults, families, parents/caregivers, children, and youth populations in Garrett County. Low and median-income families and individuals struggle to find and maintain housing and often must move frequently. Affordable housing is generally defined as housing on which the occupant is paying no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities.

The Maryland Department of Planning shows that in Garrett County, 32% of all households are spending more than 35% of their income on their mortgage and 37% are spending more than 35% of their income on rent. This means that most families cannot afford to pay the current rental rates for housing in the county, leaving them in a precarious situation.

The lack of affordable housing creates several other problems in Garrett County including increased risk of homelessness and poverty; limiting the ability of children and youth to access education and other resources; reduction of economic opportunities; increased stress and mental health issues, strains social services; increased crime and violence, reduction in workforce mobility, and reduced quality of life for residents, widening of income inequality, racial and economic segregation, increased economic pressures on families. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development reports that the county has a need for additional affordable housing units to meet the current needs of these populations. Additionally, individuals with behavioral health and substance use issues are confronted with an especially difficult housing situation in Garrett County. Although there are several programs that provide housing assistance to individuals with mental health and substance use issues, there is still a need for more supportive housing programs and rental assistance programs to ensure that these individuals can remain stably housed in Garrett County.

The Garrett County Strategic Plan states, “Between 2016 and 2021 the home prices in Garrett County rose significantly with an 86% increase in the median sales price over the five-year period. At the same time, median household income increased by only about 18%. This trend, coupled with the aging home inventory in which a portion of the available affordable homes are falling out of compliance with current building code standards, presents significant challenges for the workforce. Businesses are struggling to attract and retain workers if those workers are unable to find adequate and affordable housing solutions for themselves and their families.” Overall, the housing problem in Garrett County is severe and there is a need for more affordable housing solutions for all populations in the county.