Starting at Home

One of the defining characteristics of quality of life is the home. How affordable, how comfortable, and how convenient are the housing options afforded to families in Wisconsin in 2002?

In terms of housing affordability, state residents say they are highly satisfied. More than three fourths of respondents (78%) report that they are very or somewhat satisfied. Moreover, more homeowners are satisfied with the cost of their homes than renters, 81% to 67%, respectively.

While a strong majority of respondents are satisfied with the costs of owning or renting their homes, they are less than satisfied with the property taxes they pay. Half of all respondents are dissatisfied with their property taxes. Sixty percent of homeowners are dissatisfied while almost three fourths of renters (72%) did not venture an opinion.

Half of respondents report that they spend less than $1,000 a year on home repairs and three out of four of them are very or somewhat satisfied with this level of investment.
In addition, Wisconsin residents believe their investments are paying off. While two out of three homeowners report that they paid less than $100,000 for their homes, 57% estimate their homes are currently worth $100,000 or more.

As good as things are for most Wisconsin residents right now, many will seek change in the near future, especially renters and young people. In 2002, 63% of renters and 22% of homeowners anticipated a move to a new residence. More than half (57%) of renters planned to move within a year; half the homeowners (54%) said their timeline for a move was more than a year in the future. Six out of ten respondents aged 18 to 29 report their intention to move, but just one person in six who is over age 60 anticipates a change in the near future. Many reasons are likely to prompt a family’s decision to move. Our respondents are seeking bigger homes (27%), nicer homes (14%), or relief from high property taxes (14%). They aren’t seeking better schools (2%) or better neighborhoods (9%).

When they shop for a new home, respondents say that location (47%), price (41%), and size (21%) will be the most important factors driving their decision. Housing priorities are different for renters than they are for current homeowners. More than half (55%) of renters say that the cost of a home will be most influential, but current homeowners consider a home’s size to be a top priority (50%).


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