It’s been awhile since the Housing Committee shared housing facts with our League members. According to an EcoNorthwest study of housing in Corvallis, we would need to add 177 new units per year until 2036 to meet projected population growth. This figure does not include housing for those would commute to Corvallis but would like to live here. While there is definite improvement in the number of new units constructed in Corvallis. We still have many in our community who:
- Have no home.
- Are rent burdened.
- Would like to live in Corvallis but cannot afford to.
- Would like to downsize but can’t find the right size home.
To break this down, the 2024 Point in Time count show that we have 412 unsheltered people in Benton County. Data released by the Corvallis School District shows 391 students who are homeless.
Corvallis continues to lead the state in the number of renters who are rent burdened. Approximately 37.1% of those who rent in Corvallis are spending over 50% of their monthly income to rent a home.
The most recent data from the US Census Bureau suggest that the number of commuters into Corvallis is 17,921. While not all of them want to live in Corvallis, early data indicates that 40% would choose to if they could afford it.
While we’ve not seen data on the number of people who would like to downsize, we have heard, anecdotally, that a growing number would downsize if housing were available.
So, is there anything we can do to change this picture? Yes, there is! Encourage and support proposed changes in our Land Development code. Show up at City Council meetings – let them know that you are a YIMBY – yes in my backyard. Perhaps, most important, let your city councilor know that we want a community that is vibrant, diversified and is a place where young people/families can afford a home, raise their children and flourish.
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