The Need for Housing
Marin County is one of the least affordable counties in California. It takes over $260,000 in annual income to afford the county's median priced single family home of $899,000 – and that's with a 20% down payment! Condominiums don't provide an affordable housing option either. With a median price of $579,000, a family would need an annual income of $175,000 to afford one.
Average rents are more affordable but are still beyond the reach of many workers, especially those with families who need at least two bedrooms.
What Workers Can Afford to Pay vs. Actual Housing Costs
Because housing prices are more affordable in surrounding communities, approximately half of our workforce commutes into Marin from other counties. Many of our local workers have to endure commutes of 2 to 3 hours every day. As a result, we experience bumper-to-bumper traffic on Highway 101 and congestion on our local roadways.
When local employees can't live close to where they work, everyone loses.
- Traffic increases.
- Families lose time together.
- Employers have a harder time finding good employees and keeping them.
- Communities lose.
- Everyone runs the risk of not having enough safety personnel.
For more information or to contact us directly, please call:
(415) 526-6402
Mailing Address:
Marin Workforce Housing Trust
630 Las Gallinas Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94903