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1997 LICKING COUNTY HOUSING FORUM:
The Need for Low-Income Housing in Licking County
According to the 1990 census, high proportions of Newark's households earned less than $25,000/year (54.5%); and of that 54.5%, 31.8% of those households earned less than $15,000 per year, placing them in HUD's Very Low Income category. This is also the same situation for other areas of Licking County. (For a demographic overview of Licking County complete with population trends and income information, refer to the Social-Economic Handout.) Newark has above-average proportions of single parent (especially female-headed) families. This segment of the community has a strong need for affordable housing options. Affordable housing options are also needed for lower skilled persons and those with disabilities (mental illness, substance abuse, and physical disabilities).
While the low income population in Licking County is increasing, the average price of a home in Licking County is also increasing, making it virtually impossible for these household to find quality, affordable housing. The greatest need exists with families whose income falls within 51-80% of the median income level in the county. Often the units currently being occupied by this group have physical defects and need rehabilitation or home repair. it is estimated that 733 units within the City of Newark fall into this category and require rehabilitation. It is estimated that the total cost for this rehabilitation would be approximately $14,600,000 with $20,000 being devoted to each unit. Often this same income group lives in overcrowded housing. The City of Newark estimates that 653 units are needed to alleviate the overcrowding (Plan).
Within Licking County, there are 24 subsidized apartment complexes with a total of approximately 1,305 subsidized apartment units, not including units occupied by those with Section 8 Certificates or Vouchers. Currently the Licking Metropolitan Housing Authority has no available Section 8 Certificates. Approximately 90% of the subsidized units have a waiting list of six months to one year. A majority of these units are located within the City of Newark. (refer to map) Most families with a Certificate or Voucher tend to locate in the City of Newark and concentrate in areas of older housing stock. The western half of the county is becoming unaffordable to these individuals and families.
Newark's proximity to Columbus has caused an increase in the rental costs for quality rental units. Therefore, many are forced to rent substandard housing. With a certificate from the LMHA, a price limit is imposed. The maximum rent allowable for a one bedroom is $385, a two bedroom is $494, a three bedroom is $627, and a four bedroom is $721. Fair market rents in Licking County range from $450 to $800 depending on the location, size, and quality of the unit. The majority of these housing units available for rental and/or purchase are of substantial age which poses certain hazards like the threat of lead-based paint According to the City of Newark Consolidated Plan, 5,709 of the housing units in Newark were built before 1940. Most of these homes are occupied by households in the Very Low Income category. (See Income Guidelines)
Another problem also exists for female-headed households. According to the 1990 Census, a female head of household with two children had an annual median income of $14,036. The same family on public assistance received only $3,870 annually.
The City of Newark Health Department stated that affordable, quality housing is in short supply throughout the City. The majority of homes available for rental or purchase in this price range are borderline substandard in meeting the property maintenance codes. These codes have only been in place for five years. Prior to this, many landlords let their properties become substandard and deplorable places to live. Many of these homes were insect infested, lacked adequate plumbing and heating, or were structurally unsound Today housing conditions have improved and the biggest violation is the landlords failure to provide adequate trash removal.
A need also exists in Licking County for housing those with disabilities. County-wide there were 5,641 persons with some type of mobility and/or self-care limitations. (CHIS) Because most are on a fixed income, affordable, accessible housing is often not available to these individuals. Approximately 7% of Licking County residents have a mental disability and 3% have mental retardation. According to the Public Assistance Profile found in the Licking County Profile, in 1996 Licking County had 112 residents who received disability assistance. The average payment per recipient was $163.46. It is impossible for these individuals to pay market rent unless other types of assistance are received. Most low-income housing units available to this group are not handicap accessible and/or have a waiting list.
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