Research Reports
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2025
Comprehensive Analysis of the Supply, Demand, and Affordability of Senior Housing in Rural Pennsylvania
September 29, 2025 | Infrastructure
This research project provides a comprehensive analysis of supply and demand for senior housing in rural Pennsylvania (PA). It aims to paint a picture of the housing circumstances of the seniors (aged 65 and over) by analyzing population projections, demographics, housing situations, and financial conditions. In 2020, seniors represented 21 percent of the rural population and are projected to account for 25 percent of the rural population by 2050. They have a lower median income compared to seniors living in urban areas and as compared to statewide household income. A majority of seniors (81 percent) own their homes, and most of them own or rent properties that were built before 1970. For senior renters, a big proportion of them (44 percent) bear high rental costs of at least 30 percent or more of their income. Furthermore, housing costs and rents are generally not affordable for low-income senior homeowners or renters across most rural Pennsylvania counties. The study produced estimates of supply and demand for rental units designated for seniors, and based on these estimates, there are at least 16,415 fewer units than are necessary to house all low-income seniors in rural Pennsylvania. To further explore the current senior housing situation, the researchers conducted a survey, which was sent to all 48 rural County Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Ninety-five percent of the survey respondents highlighted a major supply shortage in affordable senior housing. Finally, this project provides practical recommendations to policymakers to address the urgent and future need for affordable senior housing.
Executive Summary
Tags: affordable housing , rural pennsylvania , senior housing , housing shortage
2014
Housing and Marcellus Shale Development (Report 5)
September 30, 2014 | Environment and Natural Resources
Marcellus Shale development brings gas company workers, subcontractors and workers in related areas (e.g., pipeline or other construction) to the locations in which natural gas exploration and drilling occur. An immediate issue is where to house these workers. This research examined housing stock and change in housing stock, rental and vacancy rates, housing costs, and housing affordability in the four study counties of Bradford, Lycoming, Washington, and Greene within a regional and statewide context. The research used secondary data from the U.S. Census of Population and Housing (2000) and the American Community Survey (ACS 3-year estimates, 2005/07 and 2009/11). The research also used qualitative data from focus groups with individuals knowledgeable about housing in the study counties.
Tags: fracking , gas development , affordable housing , natural gas development , rentals , marcellus shale , housing
2010
2008 Attitudinal Survey of Pennsylvania Rural Residents (2010)
November 15, 2010 | Rural People and Communities
To learn more about how rural Pennsylvanians view the issues facing the state and their local communities, how their perceptions differ from urban
residents, and how these views have changed across time, the researchers surveyed more than 1,200 rural Pennsylvanians in 2008. They also surveyed more than 1,000 urban residents. The researchers then combined the responses with information from previous rural surveys conducted in 1999, 2000, and 2003 to gauge changes over time.
Tags: economy , health care , rural communities , affordable housing , attitudes , local government , quality of life , natural resources , state government
2006
Affordable Housing in Rural Pennsylvania (2006)
January 01, 2006 | Rural People and Communities
Tags: affordable housing
Introducing the Center's new journal, Rural Policy: The Research Bulletin of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.