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DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS <br />Household Income <br />The estimated distribution of household incomes in Elk River for 2015 and 2020 is shown in the <br />following graphs. The data in Tables D -3 and D -4 was estimated by ESRI, Inc. The data helps in <br />ascertaining the demand for different housing products based on the size of the market at <br />specific cost levels. <br />The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordable housing costs for <br />families as 30% of a household's adjusted gross income. Maxfield Research and Consulting LLC <br />uses a figure of 25% to 30% for younger households and 40% or more for seniors, since seniors <br />generally have lower living expenses and can often sell their homes and use the proceeds <br />toward rent payments. <br />A generally accepted standard for affordable owner - occupied housing is that a typical <br />household can afford to pay 3.0 to 3.5 times their annual income on a single - family home. <br />Thus, a $50,000 income would translate to an affordable single - family home of $150,000 to <br />$175,000. The higher end of this range assumes that the person has adequate funds for down <br />payment and closing costs, but does not have savings or equity in an existing home which <br />would allow them to purchase a higher priced home. The following are key points: <br />• The median household income in Elk River in 2015 was estimated to be about $78,305. Elk <br />River has a higher median income compared to the Twin Cities Metro Area at $67,795 <br />Overall, incomes are expected to increase by about 10% between 2015 and 2020, or about <br />2.0% annually. This will result in the median income in Elk River increasing from $78,305 in <br />2015 to about $86,198 in 2020. <br />• Between 2015 and 2020, the number of households will increase in all but two age groups <br />in Elk River. The largest numerical gain will be in the 65 to 74 age group, with a projected <br />increase of 228 households. <br />Non - Senior Households <br />In 2015, roughly 4% of the non - senior households (15 to 64 years of age) in Elk River had <br />incomes under $15,000 (248 households). All of these households would be eligible for <br />subsidized rental housing. Another 4% of Elk River's non - senior households had incomes <br />between $15,000 and $25,000 (271 households). Many of these households would qualify <br />for subsidized housing, but some could also afford "affordable" or older market -rate <br />rentals. If housing costs absorb 30% of income, households with incomes of $15,000 to <br />$25,000 could afford to pay $375 to $625 per month. Average monthly rents for one - <br />bedroom units in Elk River are about $862 (shown in Table R -1 in the Rental Housing <br />Analysis section). <br />MAXFIELD RESEARCH & CONSULTING, LLC. 11 <br />