2024 Workforce Housing Survey

Two-thirds of Kent workers who responded would live here if they could afford to

In 2024, Kent Affordable Housing asked people who work in Kent about where they live and what housing they need. Here is what 95 of them told us.

95
people responded; 92 work in Kent
68%
want to move to Kent, or within Kent, if housing were affordable
40
already live and work in Kent but lack secure, affordable housing
3 in 4
interested households qualify for dedicated affordable housing (at or below 80% of area median income)

Kent workers at risk of leaving

75%

40 of the 53 respondents who live and work in Kent want to move within Kent, if suitable and affordable housing existed. They work at our schools, stores and town offices. One rent increase, a landlord’s sale or the end of living with family could push them out of town.

Kent residents who want to move within KentPeoplePercent
Live and work in Kent53100%
Want to move within Kent4075% of 53
Earn at or below 80% of area median income (est.)3079% of 38*
Age 18–341538% of 40
Would volunteer for the Kent VFD if responder housing existed (yes or maybe)2768% of 40
Living with family About nine adults live with parents, grandparents or in-laws, including two single mothers.
Rising rents One reported a $515 increase in 13 months; another said rent rises at least 3.5% a year.
Losing their home Some have lost a roommate who shared the rent, or have a landlord who has sold or plans to sell.

In their words

“I grew up in Kent and work in town. My parents and roommates have moved away so I’m worried about no longer being able to afford my current living space. Kent is my home and I would like to stay within it.”
“I make a good salary, but I cannot afford the rent or purchase a home for myself in our town.”
“I currently live in Kent because I was extremely lucky… I like my apartment but I have no housing options if my employment changes.”
“Moved here 5 years ago and love the area and people in this town. Landlord sold the house and can’t find anything in Kent to live.”

Who needs housing

Most of the people who want to live in Kent would qualify for dedicated affordable housing like our South Common Expansion. Kent also needs options for the “missing middle”: 15 households earn above 80% AMI, too much to qualify, but not enough to rent or buy at Kent’s market prices.

Housing could help fill Kent’s volunteer fire and EMS ranks. Only 4 respondents volunteer with any fire department today. Yet 39 of those who want to live in Kent said they would, or might, volunteer for the Kent Volunteer Fire Department if housing were set aside for emergency responders.

What the results point to

  1. Moving South Common Expansion forward and creating more dedicated affordable housing beyond it.
  2. Partnering with Kent’s major employers, especially its schools, which employ many of the respondents.
  3. Exploring housing for emergency responders.
  4. Creating housing options for households above 80% AMI, including homeownership.
About the survey: Kent Affordable Housing conducted this online survey of people who work in Kent, with most responses received January–March 2024. Participation was voluntary, so results reflect interest among those who responded rather than the full size of the need. Income bands are estimates based on household size and current Northwest Hills income limits. *Of 38 respondents who provided income and household size.