Looking for the missing middle housing

Middle housing can be a more affordable route to ownership—where it exists

“Middle” housing refers to a range of housing types–from duplexes to townhomes to low-rise multifamily developments–that bridge a gap between single-family housing and more intense multifamily housing.

Middle-density housing can help promote more affordable ownership options, give people greater housing choices and produce densities that support walkable communities.

Yet this housing option is few and far in between in many communities, hence the term “missing” middle-density housing.

In this blog post, part two of a series about housing data from the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, we look at the landscape of this housing in the region, whether they’re for sale or rent, and where they’re being built.

PSRC previously delved into the cost of middle-density housing. In short, while it makes up a relatively small share of the market, this type of housing tends to be more affordable than lower- or high-density ownership options.