County housing study: Over 1,300 units needed by 2030

Oneida County remains a desirable place to live but more than 1,300 additional housing units will be needed in the next five years, according to a newly released housing study compiled by the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) and the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC).
Based on the State of Wisconsin’s population projections, Oneida County will need an estimated 1,358 additional housing units (217 rental units and 1,141 owner-occupied units) by 2030, the 108-page study concludes.
According to the executive summary, the county’s population of approximately 38,000 people enjoy a “relatively affordable lifestyle that has access to good schools, reputable healthcare, low levels of traffic, and a variety of year-round activities. But a lack of housing inventory, demand for workforce housing, high construction costs, projected household growth, and existing housing in poor shape have resulted in concerns over rapidly increasing housing costs…”
“Housing is one of the most important components of livability and prosperity, playing an important role in attracting and retaining residents who contribute to the county’s success,” the summary reads. “Ensuring a variety of housing is available for all ages and incomes contributes to a community’s high quality of life. With rising prices and increased demand, it is harder for working class, senior, and low-income households to find suitable housing in Oneida County. There is also a lack of housing variety within the county, as single-family housing makes up a significant portion of the county’s housing stock (84.6 percent). Seasonal housing is common in the County for vacation or recreational use, but it isn’t necessarily suitable for year-round residents.”
The study includes the following recommendations:

1. Subdivision and zoning ordinance revisions to allow for smaller lots, reduced setbacks, a greater variety of housing styles, and other changes that reduce construction costs.
2. Comprehensive plans that are up-to-date allows developers to apply for financing through WHEDA and other programs designed to address the statewide housing shortage.
3. Property disposition involves selling land for development to spur development and increase the tax base. For example, vacant schools or unutilized park space have been used in other communities in Wisconsin for housing development.
4. Developer outreach by OCEDC generates interest among those capable of delivering high quality housing to Oneida County while identifying opportunities for development.
5. Educational events led by a variety of local organizations can help potential buyers navigate various financial products, counseling, loans for repairs, and other aspects of homeownership. 6. Local, state, and regional partnerships between OCEDC, Oneida County, municipalities, employers, school districts, nonprofits, Nicolet Technical College, NCWRPC, WEDC, WHEDA, and other organizations can identify existing and emerging funding sources, policies, and opportunities.
7. Housing committee action. The OCEDC Housing Committee should ensure the ongoing implementation of the study’s recommendations and advocate for continued support for housing.
8. Tax Incremental Financing (TIF). Municipalities that meet state requirements could consider creating new TIDs that attract new development while protecting taxpayers.
9. Housing preservation. Leveraging federal, state, and/or local dollars in a low-cost revolving loan fund or other type of program can be used for repairs and upgrades. This approach can also be used for aging-in-place upgrades that allow people with limited mobility remain in their homes.
10. Housing study monitoring. OCEDC should communicate to the public the benefits of this housing study’s implementation by publishing the number of units to demonstrate the estimated benefits for workers, families, students, and other types of economic impacts over time.
The full study is available to read at https://www.ocedc.org/oneida-county-edc-announcements/housing-study-2025-update-oneida-county.