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Eileen Zilch

“Where Can We Afford to Live?” The Housing Dilemma in Livingston County


Livingston County, Michigan, is growing rapidly, with a population increase of 8.3% from 2010 to 2022. 


From blue-collar workers in construction, transportation, and manufacturing, to service industry professionals in retail, food service, and education, our community is a rich tapestry of people and professions. 


But, behind this vibrant workforce lies a pressing issue—many in our county struggle to afford the basic necessity of housing. 


For some, it’s not just a struggle; it’s a crisis.


A Community at Risk


When we talk about "affordable" housing, it’s easy to assume we’re speaking only about low-income families. But the reality in Livingston County is more complex. Out of the 76,620 households in our community, 28% are either living in poverty or struggling to make ends meet under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) classification. That’s almost one-third of our population facing difficult financial trade-offs each day—choosing between paying rent or covering basic needs like food, childcare, or transportation.


And it’s not just a small segment of the community facing this uphill battle:


  • 62% of single-female households with children are classified as ALICE. These are mothers working tirelessly to provide for their families, yet still unable to afford safe, stable housing.

  • 58% of households under the age of 25 fall into the ALICE category, meaning our youngest working adults are often starting their lives from a place of financial strain.

  • 44% of households over 65 face the same issue, meaning our seniors—those who’ve spent their lives contributing to this community—are also feeling the pressure of rising costs without enough resources to keep up.


The Jobs Don’t Always Match the Costs


Livingston County is home to a variety of job sectors, but wages don’t always align with the high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. Consider these facts:


  • Blue-collar workers in construction, manufacturing, and transportation have an average annual wage of $75,632, which may seem comfortable until we consider the rising costs of homeownership, property taxes, and utilities in our area.

  • In higher-education services—including finance, insurance, healthcare, and government—workers earn an average annual wage of $53,891. While solid, this income can still fall short when faced with unexpected life events, rising healthcare costs, or children’s education needs.

  • Lower-education services jobs, including admin, retail, food service, and entertainment, represent a significant part of our local workforce, but they offer the lowest average annual wage at $36,081. For those working these essential jobs, securing stable housing can be a daily challenge, forcing many to live paycheck to paycheck.


Why This Matters: Housing is the Foundation of a Thriving Community


Housing is more than just a place to sleep at night. It is the foundation of opportunity, stability, and growth for individuals and families. Without it, the ability to work, provide for loved ones, and contribute to our community is undermined. A lack of attainable housing doesn’t just hurt the individual—it impacts our entire county.


Without affordable places to live, businesses struggle to retain workers, schools lose students as families are forced to move, and overall community health declines.


By focusing on building attainable housing—homes that are affordable to people at all income levels—Community Catalysts is working to strengthen Livingston County for everyone. We believe in creating housing solutions that reflect the diversity of our workforce and address the unique needs of those who make this community thrive.


A Call to Action: Building a Future We Can All Share


To keep Livingston County strong, we must ensure that all residents, no matter their income or job sector, have access to safe and affordable housing. It’s time to break the cycle of financial strain and give our community the stability it needs to grow. Whether you’re a business leader, a local government official, or a concerned neighbor, you have a role to play in shaping the future of housing in Livingston County.


We invite you to join Community Catalysts in our mission to create more affordable housing options that benefit everyone—because when everyone has a place to call home, our entire community thrives.


Let’s build a stronger future—together.





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