Housing Production Plan (2015-2016)
2015-2016
A Housing Production Plan (HPP) guides housing development within a community and is composed of:
- A comprehensive housing needs assessment;
- Affordable housing goals and objectives;
- Analysis of development constraints and opportunities; and
- Implementation strategies
The Town of Swampscott has worked with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to develop our community’s first housing production plan.
Housing Needs and Demand Assessment
- Swampscott’s population has grown modestly since 1990 and is projected to continue to grow. The Town’s overall population has aged and will continue to do so; the over-65 population will nearly double by 2030, while the school-age population will increase modestly.
- Swampscott’s median household income is $92,258. The median income for family households is $113, 456, while non-family median household income is significantly lower at $45,205.
- Almost half of senior households have an annual gross income of less than $40,000.
- Only 10% of dwelling units are in larger multifamily structures, most of which are condominiums.
- Most Swampscott households own their home – over 70% are owner occupied.
- Swampscott’s housing market is extremely tight with only 1% or units vacant.
- Low for-sale inventories have led to escalating housing prices.
- Swampscott’s ownership and rental housing is not affordable. Median sales prices are nearing all-time highs, and median rents are significantly higher than fair market rent for all unit types.
- Approximately one quarter of Swampscott households are low-income; especially among elderly households, with more than half of them eligible for housing assistance.
- More than 40% of all households are cost burdened; the rate is particularly high among renter households (55%).
- Over 80% of low-income households are cost burdened.