Ontario County grapples with Housing Shortage Near Job Centers

Ontario CountyS workforce is facing increasing challenges as a growing number of employees struggle to find affordable housing near their workplaces. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 62% of Ontario County’s workforce holds jobs within the county. This trend underscores the urgent need for housing solutions to support the region’s economic vitality and the well-being of its residents.

The Growing Commute Burden

The Ontario County Housing Needs Assessment highlights a concerning trend: local workers are enduring longer commutes and escalating transportation costs due to the scarcity of suitable housing near employment hubs. This issue disproportionately affects healthcare, education, and retail workers, whose modest incomes are further strained by rising housing and commuting expenses.

As the county’s population and economy expand, experts emphasize that accessibly priced and well-located housing is crucial for sustaining economic development and maintaining a high quality of life. The current mismatch between job locations and housing availability threatens to undermine these goals.

Ontario County’s Employment Landscape

Ontario County boasts a diverse employment base, with healthcare and social assistance leading as the largest sector, accounting for 16.4% of all jobs, as per the Housing Needs Assessment. Retail trade follows closely, comprising 13.9% of the county’s workforce. Manufacturing, despite experiencing some decline, remains a significant employer.

Data reveals that as of 2019,Ontario County had 53,542 jobs,marking a 17.9% surge since 2003. Though, the supply of housing priced between $150,000 and $275,000 near major job centers has failed to keep pace, compelling many workers to commute from neighboring counties or distant parts of Ontario County. This imbalance exacerbates transportation costs and adds to the daily stress of commuting.

The ACS data from 2016-2020 indicates that 38.3% of Ontario County residents commute to jobs outside the county, with a significant portion heading to Monroe County, representing 25% of the County’s resident workforce. Impressively, in 2020, 4,517 Wayne County residents worked in Ontario County, which signifies a significant increase of 1,665 (58.4%) as 2000.Moreover, Monroe County residents held 8,667 jobs in Ontario County, a stark rise of 2,667 (44.5%) over the same period. This data confirms Ontario County’s increasing importance as a regional employment hub and the growing number of workers needing homes outside the county.

While higher wages in neighboring counties contribute to out-migration, a primary factor is the shortage of affordable homes near Ontario County’s employment centers. This deficit results in extended commutes, increased transportation expenses, and a likely decrease in the overall quality of life for workers. According to a 2023 report by the Brookings Institute, long commutes are correlated with higher rates of stress and reduced social engagement, impacting overall well-being^[1].

Commuting Challenges

For ontario County residents employed locally, commuting patterns reveal escalating costs and logistical hurdles. The Housing Needs Assessment points out that average commuting distances and travel times have increased over the past two decades. By 2019, only 41% of employed residents traveled less than 10 miles to work compared to 47% in 2003.Conversely, the percentage of residents commuting over 50 miles to work rose from 11% to 13% during the same period.

Longer commutes translate to greater transportation expenses and added stress on families and individuals. Low-wage workers in sectors like retail,education,and public service often find that commuting costs consume a substantial portion of their income,straining household budgets already burdened by rising housing costs. A 2022 study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that the median renter in the U.S.needs to earn $25.82 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment, highlighting the affordability crisis^[2].

Neighboring counties, especially Monroe, also contribute significantly to Ontario County’s workforce. “Many of these workers would prefer to live closer to their jobs but are priced out of the local housing market or unable to find suitable homes near employment centers.”

Mark prunoske, senior vice president of Finance and CFO at Thompson Health and a member of the Ontario County Housing Ad Hoc Committee, recounted a telling anecdote: “Throughout my tenure, nearly every conversation with current and prospective employers has touched on the challenges of talent recruitment and retention,’ said Ryan Davis, Ontario County’s director of Economic Development, It remains just as critical to business success as local and state incentives.”

impact on Workforce and Economic Development

The lack of affordable housing poses a significant challenge for individual workers and the broader economy. As Ontario County continues to grow, attracting and retaining talent will be increasingly crucial for sustained economic development. The Housing Needs Assessment cautions that a misalignment between housing options and workforce needs could lead to employers struggling to fill positions and the county losing employees to areas with better housing options and shorter commutes.

Ontario County’s economic growth and its ability to attract new investments could be negatively affected.Businesses might hesitate to expand or relocate to the county if they perceive a lack of suitable housing for their employees, especially near job centers.

Solutions and Recommendations

The Housing Needs Assessment proposes several recommendations to align housing development with the needs of the local workforce:

• develop workplace, starter home, and middle-class housing near job centers: Zoning changes could permit higher-density housing developments near major employment hubs like Canandaigua, Farmington, and Victor. Incentives for developers to build rental units and entry-level homes could increase housing opportunities and ease the commuting burden.
• Encourage mixed-use developments: Combining residential and commercial spaces could offer housing options for workers, support local businesses, and reduce commute distances.Mixed-use projects near public transportation hubs or major roadways could alleviate traffic congestion and lower transportation costs.
• Incentivize employers to invest in workforce housing: Partnering with developers and local governments could enable employers to help finance affordable housing projects near job sites, ensuring employees have access to safe, affordable homes with reasonable commutes.

The Path Forward

aligning housing development with employment trends is vital for supporting both workers and local businesses in Ontario County.Reducing the gap between job centers and housing can decrease commute times, lower transportation costs, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Housing Needs Assessment provides a clear roadmap for addressing these challenges.” throughout my tenure, nearly every conversation with current and prospective employers has touched on the challenges of talent recruitment and retention,” said Ryan Davis, Ontario County’s director of Economic development, It remains just as critical to business success as local and state incentives.” Coordinated efforts involving local governments, employers, and developers are crucial for meaningful change. Expanding housing options near job centers will foster a more enduring and inclusive community where Ontario County residents can live and work without the burden of long commutes and high housing costs.

Take Action: Contact your local representatives to voice your support for policies that promote affordable housing near job centers in Ontario County. Your advocacy can help create a more sustainable and economically vibrant community.

[1] “Commuting and Well-Being,” Brookings Institute, 2023.

[2] “Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing,” National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2022.

What are the specific zoning changes being considered too allow for higher-density developments in Ontario County ?

Ontario County Housing Shortage: An Interview with Regional Planner,Sarah Miller

Ontario County is grappling with a growing housing shortage,particularly near its key job centers. to understand the implications and potential solutions, we spoke with Sarah Miller, a Regional Planner specializing in workforce advancement and affordable housing.

Understanding the Ontario County Housing Crisis

Archyde: Sarah, thanks for joining us. Could you paint a picture of the current housing situation in Ontario County for our readers?

Sarah Miller: Certainly. We’re seeing a notable mismatch between where jobs are located and where affordable housing is available. Many employees, especially in sectors like healthcare, retail, and education, are forced to commute long distances because they simply can’t find suitable housing close to their workplaces. This impacts their quality of life and strains the county’s economic vitality.

The Impact on Local Workforce

Archyde: that commute burden sounds incredibly impactful. How is this affecting Ontario County’s workforce specifically?

Sarah Miller: Long commutes translate to higher transportation costs, increased stress, and less time for families and personal well-being. This makes it harder to attract and retain talent in Ontario County, particularly for lower-wage positions. Employers are starting to feel the pinch as candidates turn down jobs due to housing challenges.

Examining the commute Factors

Archyde: The data shows a significant number of workers commuting from neighboring counties like Monroe and Wayne to jobs in Ontario County. Is that driven solely by housing costs?

Sarah Miller: While higher wages in other counties play a role,the primary driver is the lack of affordable housing near our employment centers here in Ontario County. Many workers would prefer to live closer to their jobs, but they’re priced out or unable to find suitable options. this creates a ripple effect, impacting everything from traffic congestion to employee morale.

Potential Housing Solutions and Strategies

Archyde: So, what are some potential solutions to address this ontario County housing shortage?

Sarah Miller: The Housing Needs Assessment highlights several promising strategies. We need to develop more workforce housing, starter homes, and middle-class housing options close to major job centers. Zoning changes to allow for higher-density developments, incentivizing mixed-use projects, and encouraging employers to invest in workforce housing are all critical steps. For instance, Thompson Health is a large Ontario County employer. Perhaps, in collaboration with the county, they could construct/sponsor housing near their facilities.

Thinking Outside the Box: A Different Angle

Archyde: What is one unconventional idea that could help alleviate the housing crisis in Ontario County that isn’t currently being considered?

Sarah Miller: It’s a complex problem, but one idea could be to incentivize landowners with underutilized agricultural land near employment centers to develop a portion of their property into high-quality, eco-kind, and affordable housing communities. This could be facilitated through tax breaks, streamlined permitting processes, and partnerships with sustainable building initiatives. It balances the need for housing with preserving the county’s rural character.

The Path to Affordable housing Solutions

Archyde: What actions can our readers take to support the development of affordable housing solutions in Ontario County?

Sarah miller: the most important thing is to get involved! Contact your local representatives to voice your support for policies and initiatives that promote affordable housing.Attend town hall meetings, participate in community discussions, and advocate for zoning changes that allow for diverse housing options near job centers. Collective action is key to creating a more sustainable and inclusive community.

archyde: Sarah, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with us today.

Sarah Miller: My pleasure.