Harrisonburg has a low rate of home-ownership. Currently, the city has approximately 13,133 occupied homes (10,300 in 1990 and 5,956 in 1980), but only 5,125 (39%) are owner-occupied. The large majority - 8,008 (61 %) are rentals (Economic Overview 2002, Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg [RCCH], page 36). Harrisonburg's 39% home-ownership is 5th lowest in Virginia and contrasts to Rockingham County's 78% home-ownership rate. Harrisonburg's home-ownership rate has dropped 3% in the past 10 years; and this trend continues unabated. During this same time, Rockingham County has maintained a 78% home-ownership rate. In the 1990s, the home-ownership rate for the state was approximately 66% and the nation was 64% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000).

In the 1990s Harrisonburg built 3,014 housing units compared to 5,135 in Rockingham County (RCCH, page 36). Harrisonburg added approximately 1,033 apartment units, 918 townhouse/duplex units and 918 single-family dwellings. Analyses shows that much of the single-family market is moderately priced and the townhouse market is priced even lower. During this time, the average selling price of housing has increased from approximately $89,000 to $135,000 (HCC, page 8). Currently, there are 556 vacant houses in Harrisonburg.

| 7.26.2006 |Print |