Report highlights opportunities to improve Midland housing as demand and costs rise

One only has to take a look at Facebook groups like Ask Midland or talk to residents searching for affordable housing to know the city is facing serious challenges. A new report backs up what many already see firsthand: Midland’s housing market is tight, and the pressure is growing.

Commissioned by the East Michigan Council of Governments and carried out by Bowen National Research, the study highlights the increasing demand, low supply, and affordability issues affecting various groups, especially renters and older adults. The report is part of a wider housing needs evaluation for Michigan's Region G and offers forecasts extending to 2029.

Midland's population has remained relatively stagnant, growing by just 0.7 percent from 2010 to 2020 and is projected to decline slightly over the next five years. However, the number of households is expected to continue rising. This means more people will be seeking housing, even without significant population growth.

Age is a big factor in that shift. Nearly half of all households in Midland are headed by someone 55 or older. The number of residents 75 and up is expected to grow by almost 15 percent by 2029. This trend shows an increasing demand for housing and services tailored to older adults.

Meanwhile, the rental market is showing signs of strain. Midland's rental occupancy rate stands at 97 percent, well above the healthy balanced level.. Affordable options, including income-restricted or subsidized units, are nearly full. Housing vouchers are hard to come by: as of early 2025, there were 393 households on the waitlist in Midland County, with only about 20 vouchers being issued per year.

Almost 48 percent of renters in Midland are struggling because they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Over a quarter of them are spending more than half of their earnings on rent. While the median gross rent is lower than the state average, it's still too high for many, particularly those making less than $50,000 a year.

Homeownership isn’t much easier. In March 2025, only 18 homes were listed for sale in Midland, with a median list price of nearly $235,000. Many homes in the city were built before 1970, adding extra maintenance and renovation challenges to affordability concerns.

Midland has a strong job market, even with housing challenges. The area's main employers are MyMichigan Health, Dow, and Midland Public Schools. The most common jobs are in healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Midland County’s unemployment rate is lower than the state average, and employment figures have shown steady improvement since the pandemic.

Unfortunately, good jobs haven't solved the housing crunch. More deaths than births have been reported in recent years, and much of the county's population stability depends on people moving into the region. Many of those who work in Midland commute from other communities, often because they can't find or afford housing nearby.

Despite challenges and less-than-ideal statistics, community organizations are stepping up to meet housing challenges.

The Affordable Housing Alliance of Midland County is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing to those in need in Midland County. The non-profit serves individuals and families whose income falls between 30 and 50 percent of the area's median income.

Home to Stay focuses on helping residents achieve stable housing through various services like intake, assessment, housing planning, and case management. They also provide resources for home repairs and rental assistance.

On the development side, the Midland Business Alliance’s Housing Forward initiative is working behind the scenes to make new housing projects possible. The initiative provides support and financial advice to developers looking to build in the area, particularly those focused on workforce and affordable housing. 

Housing Forward helps navigate the complexities of zoning, land access, and funding challenges, while also seeking out new opportunities across Midland County. Recently, the organization was named administrative lead for the Region G Regional Housing Partnership under the Michigan Statewide Housing Plan.

Catalyst Midland is committed to reporting on our area’s housing challenges, highlighting community-led solutions, and keeping a close eye on what comes next.