Housing is a foundational aspect of life for an individual or a family. Safe and stable housing increases the likelihood of positive life experiences: physically, mentally, educationally, and vocationally. But it is increasingly unattainable. Middle-income renters (earning $35K–$75K) have seen the largest cost burden increases since 2000, making ownership increasingly out of reach. The affordability gap is widening, with homes being built for high-income transplants and second homeowners while lower- and moderate-income buyers are priced out, remaining in rentals longer. And, these trends differ by race and ethnicity.
Home Needs Differ by Region and Household
A few key factors influence affordability of a given area:
- Variety of products in supply: Condos, smaller homes, or older stock may be more affordable.
- Availability of deed-restricted housing: Homes with resale price or occupancy restrictions to maintain affordability.
- Distance from high-growth centers can mean lower prices—but proximity to growing areas can still drive variation within a region (e.g., some submarkets are more expensive than others).
Different households require different homes. Consider the unique needs of the variety of households, such as families with children, those who work remotely, and those who have physical challenges.
Policy Options
In the same way that housing challenges and needs vary by regions and demographics, effective policy directions differ depending on the community. Research shows effective levers in both home development and tailoring the market to needs.
Important Home Development Policy Levers Include:
- Zoning that considers unique housing needs and market demand
- Resources for housing development projects
- Raise and dedicate funds
- Produce and/or subsidize publicly assisted housing
- Consider repurposing underutilized property; donating publicly owned land
- Align housing growth goals and incentives with employment growth goals and incentives.
Effective policy and programmatic levers tailor to market, submarket, and disproportionate needs:
| Own | Rent | |
|---|---|---|
| High Priced Markets |
Goal = Homeownership
|
Goal = rental stability
|
| Moderate Priced Markets | Goal = Homeownership and Wealth Building
|
Goal = Save for homeownership
|
Policy Implications and Actions
To address Colorado’s housing challenges, solutions must be market-specific, equity-driven, and creatively leverage local authority. Supporting renters today means more affordable homeownership—and stability—tomorrow.
Key Information
Seminar Website
Family Impact Seminars
More Seminars
Family Impact Seminars
Publication DateApril 17, 2025
Topic Area(s)Social Services
Resource TypeWritten Briefs
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Housing is a foundational aspect of life for an individual or a family. Safe and stable housing increases the likelihood of positive life experiences: physically, mentally, educationally, and vocationally. But it is increasingly unattainable. Middle-income renters (earning $35K–$75K) have seen the largest cost burden increases since 2000, making ownership increasingly out of reach. The affordability gap is widening, with homes being built for high-income transplants and second homeowners while lower- and moderate-income buyers are priced out, remaining in rentals longer. And, these trends differ by race and ethnicity.
Home Needs Differ by Region and Household
A few key factors influence affordability of a given area:
- Variety of products in supply: Condos, smaller homes, or older stock may be more affordable.
- Availability of deed-restricted housing: Homes with resale price or occupancy restrictions to maintain affordability.
- Distance from high-growth centers can mean lower prices—but proximity to growing areas can still drive variation within a region (e.g., some submarkets are more expensive than others).
Different households require different homes. Consider the unique needs of the variety of households, such as families with children, those who work remotely, and those who have physical challenges.
Policy Options
In the same way that housing challenges and needs vary by regions and demographics, effective policy directions differ depending on the community. Research shows effective levers in both home development and tailoring the market to needs.
Important Home Development Policy Levers Include:
- Zoning that considers unique housing needs and market demand
- Resources for housing development projects
- Raise and dedicate funds
- Produce and/or subsidize publicly assisted housing
- Consider repurposing underutilized property; donating publicly owned land
- Align housing growth goals and incentives with employment growth goals and incentives.
Effective policy and programmatic levers tailor to market, submarket, and disproportionate needs:
| Own | Rent | |
|---|---|---|
| High Priced Markets |
Goal = Homeownership
|
Goal = rental stability
|
| Moderate Priced Markets | Goal = Homeownership and Wealth Building
|
Goal = Save for homeownership
|
Policy Implications and Actions
To address Colorado’s housing challenges, solutions must be market-specific, equity-driven, and creatively leverage local authority. Supporting renters today means more affordable homeownership—and stability—tomorrow.
Key Information
Seminar Website
Family Impact Seminars
More Seminars
Family Impact Seminars
Publication DateApril 17, 2025
Resource TypeWritten Briefs
Share This Page
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