Edwardsville Housing Study

The City of Edwardsville has experienced tremendous growth and development over the last 20 years. The City has seen the addition of corporate headquarters for businesses such as Hortica Insurance, Prairie Farms, and Worldwide Technology, as well as the revitalization of historic downtown Edwardsville. Residential growth has kept pace, with the City growing its population by 24.7% since 2000. While the growth has been well managed, the demand for land in a rapidly growing real estate market means the market rate to purchase or rent a home is high. As a result, there is a perceived need for more affordable housing in Edwardsville. Residents have also vocalized the need for housing (rental or purchase) for lower-income workers. The i5Group performed a ‘Housing Needs Assessment’ for the City, to help the City to determine whether to move forward with the development of affordable housing policies.

Key findings of the Housing Needs Assessment included:

• A high number of cost-burdened households (especially renters).

• A lack of housing diversity of mid-range, multi-family units (missing middle housing).

• The trend of fewer workers living in the city.

• The long-term maintenance of older homes.

View a copy of Part 1 - Housing Needs Assessment

Prime Consultant: The i5Group (Team members: Stephen Ibendahl, Katie McLaughlin)

Sub-Consultants: SLU Community Planning Lab, Community & Economic Development Solutions

Client: City of Edwardsville, Illinois