Vigo County Residents on Housing Preferences and Perceptions

Understanding the dynamics of housing preferences among residents is essential for urban planning and community development. From June 6 to June 10, Insight 84 conducted a comprehensive poll involving over 2,000 Vigo County residents to explore their thoughts on homeownership, renting, and the quality of housing options in the region. The survey also gauged public opinion on a proposed housing development in Terre Haute, offering an insightful look at the housing landscape in the area.

The findings reveal striking differences in attitudes and experiences based on location, housing type, and demographic factors. Here is a breakdown of the key insights from the survey and what they signify for Vigo County’s housing future.

The Snapshot of Vigo County Homeownership and Renting

The survey divided respondents into two groups based on their residence:

• Within the Ohio Boulevard Boundaries of Wabash to Poplar and 25th Street to Brown Ave: A total of 90% owned their homes, while only 10% rented.

• Outside the Ohio Boulevard Boundaries: Homeownership dropped to 65%, with 35% choosing to rent.

  
  

Reasons for Owning Homes

Among homeowners across the county, several factors motivated their choice to purchase homes:

• Building Equity for Retirement: 46% indicated they bought homes to contribute to their long-term financial security.

• The American Dream: 42% identified homeownership as a reflection of achieving a life milestone.

• Tax Advantages: 19% cited tax benefits as a motivator.

• Other Reasons: 30% mentioned additional factors such as affordability compared to rent, privacy, independence, and personal achievement. Interestingly, 7% of homeowners said their current property was gifted to them.

  
  

Reasons for Renting

Renters shared several reasons for their choice to rent rather than buy:

• Flexibility: 54% of renters appreciated the ease of relocation and lifestyle flexibility that renting provides.

• Lower Maintenance Costs: 38% chose to rent to avoid maintenance expenses.

• Fixed Costs: 30% valued the predictability of rental payments.

• Amenities: 7% were drawn to features like gym access or on-site services.

• Other Factors: 46% of renters said they either couldn’t qualify for a mortgage loan or found current housing prices too high to justify buying.

  
  

The Quality of Housing Options in Terre Haute and Vigo County

The survey also assessed participants’ perceptions of housing quality in the area.

Opinions on Homeownership Options

• Overall, 59% of respondents felt there were not enough quality homeownership options in Terre Haute and Vigo County, while 41% believed otherwise.

• Within the Ohio Boulevard boundaries, perceptions skewed more positively. 90% of respondents in this area saw adequate homeownership options.

  
  

Opinions on Renting Options

• Regarding quality rental properties, 56% of respondents throughout the county felt there were insufficient options, while 44% disagreed.

• Interestingly, 80% of residents within the Ohio Boulevard boundary viewed rental options favorably, compared to 20% who held a negative opinion.

  
  

Community Opinions on Renters

Another key finding addressed perceptions of renters:

• 23% of respondents held a favorable view of renters.

• 20% expressed unfavorable opinions, citing concerns such as renters not taking pride in their homes (50%), high turnover rates (15%), and fears of decreased property values (35%).

• 57% of respondents claimed to have no opinion

  
  

Within the Ohio Boulevard neighborhood, unfavorable opinions mirrored the county-wide trends.

Opinions on Proposed Housing Development on Ohio Boulevard

Survey participants were asked about a proposed housing development project involving 91 homes and 170 apartments on Ohio Boulevard. The project includes a $70 million investment and has received support from the state of Indiana.

Support and Opposition

• Among residents outside the Ohio Boulevard boundaries, 51% supported the project, while 33% opposed and 16% had no opinion.

• Within the Ohio Boulevard boundaries, opposition to the project was overwhelming, with 90% against and only 10% in support. Interestingly, all renters in this area supported the development.

  
  

Demographic Insights

• The average age of respondents within the Ohio Boulevard area was 67 years, compared to 50 years for those outside this area.

  
  

The Duration of Residence for Homeowners and Renters

The survey also explored how long respondents had lived in their current residences:

• Among homeowners:

• 18% had lived at their property for 1-3 years.

  • 26% had stayed for 4-7 years.

  • 11% had been there for 8-10 years.

  • 45% had lived in their homes for more than 10 years.

• For renters, the trend skewed toward shorter durations:

• 64% had lived at their residence for 1-3 years.

  • The remaining 36% had been tenants for 4-7 years.

    
    

What the Survey Tells Us About Vigo County Housing

The results of this survey reveal important insights about housing in Vigo County:

1. Homeownership as a Milestone: Homeownership remains a celebrated achievement for many residents, driven by financial goals and personal aspirations.

2. Challenges in Renting and Buying: Renters expressed valid reasons for their housing choice, including flexibility and affordability, though many cited barriers like high prices and mortgage inaccessibility. Meanwhile, homeowners felt more positively about available housing options than renters.

3. Divided Opinions on Development Projects: The Ohio Boulevard development project has sparked significant debates, with homeowners strongly opposing it while renters express unanimous support. Age and location appear to play critical roles in shaping these opinions.

   
   

These insights provide actionable data for policymakers, developers, and community leaders to address the housing challenges in Vigo County.

Building the Future of Housing in Vigo County

The Insight 84 survey is more than just numbers. It reflects the hopes, concerns, and realities of Vigo County residents. Stakeholders must prioritize creating affordable, quality housing options for buyers and renters alike while fostering acceptance and collaboration within communities.

To learn more about urban development initiatives and housing trends in Vigo County, stay tuned to our updates. Your voice matters, and together, we can shape a more inclusive housing future.