80% of Dane County residents say local housing not affordable for everyone

According to a new Community Housing Survey from the Wisconsin Housing Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), most Dane County residents recognize that housing locally is not attainable for people of all income levels, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

Nearly 61% of respondents said housing in the region is too expensive. Eighty-two percent said local jurisdictions need to work to address access to and cost of housing, while 52% said nonprofit organizations should help more, and 63% called on the private sector and larger county employers to assist prospective buyers.

Wisconsin defines housing as being affordable when an occupant spends no more than 30% of their gross income on living costs, including utilities, according to WHEDA.