09-05-2025
Licking County growth complicates housing for elderly residents, report shows
NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) — Licking County's rapid growth and adjacent housing concerns are complicating things for elderly residents, a new study revealed.
The Licking County Aging Partners released the results of its age-friendly community needs assessment, offering insight into how older Licking County residents are interacting with rapid growth. There are 43,555 Licking County residents over age 60, representing 24% of the population. Most – 81.1% – of them own their residences, but the study found the growth coming to the region is making it more difficult for older residents to stay in their homes.
The report found 5,110 older Licking County residents are currently in unaffordable housing situations. Further, almost one in five older adults told Licking County Aging Partners that they have had to spend less on food, medication or other necessities to afford housing.
Intel affirms commitment to Ohio plant's division
Licking County is already bracing for rapid growth, and residents worry they could be pushed out of their homes or be unable to keep up with housing costs. Licking County Aging Partners' focus group found many older residents in apartments are seeing steady increases in rent, making it more difficult for retired residents to stay in their homes.
'Most focus group participants said that they don't want to move, but that their houses are becoming too large to maintain,' the report said. 'There were few options mentioned within the county to move to, and instead individuals felt that they would need to leave the county if they needed to move to more accessible and affordable housing.'
Respondents overwhelmingly said they wanted to stay in their homes as they aged, and many wanted to stay in Licking County. When asked about what they would change, participants said they want improved infrastructure, prevent against overdevelopment and voiced concerns about traffic, rising housing costs and homelessness.
Federal agency cuts more than $88K in grants for OSU
Rising rent costs aren't the only financial concerns; only 17% of respondents said they were able to access low-cost or free home repair services. With aging, residents often have to equip homes with accessible features like ramps or grab bars, adding costs. One participant said he has to budget more for home maintenance as he is no longer able to work around the house as he used to.
Although growth exacerbates them in Licking County, these concerns exist state-wide. According to America's Health Rankings by the United Health Foundation, 28% of Ohioans aged 62 and older live with at least one of the following problems: uncomplete kitchen or plumbing facilities, overcrowding or cost-burdened occupants.
Licking County Aging Partners said it will now use this information to create an action plan to address concerns among older populations. Community leaders, residents and stakeholders are collaborating to create the plan, which they hope to release in the next year.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
