The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., serves as a backdrop to a growing concern. In Holmes County, Ohio, a local hospital faced a snag when recruiting a physician. Though the doctor accepted the job offer, a lack of available housing led them to look elsewhere for employment. This story emerged from community sessions in Wayne and Holmes counties where employers outlined a key issue: housing shortages are hindering hiring efforts. For rural Ohio, and communities nationwide, this shortage could evolve into an economic challenge.
The statistics back up these claims. A housing study revealed Holmes County needs 858 more owner-occupied homes and 280 rental units. Currently, only 44% of the workforce resides in the county, compared to 54% in nearby areas. Workers often commute from other regions, complicating local recruitment and retention efforts.
Wayne County illustrates the problem with only 26 affordable units available for every 100 low-income households. Statewide, Ohio faces a gap of around 266,000 affordable homes, reflecting a national shortfall. Across the U.S., only 35 homes are available for every 100 low-income families, creating a 7.2 million home deficit.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s 2026 report highlights a loss of 62,000 affordable units since 2019. A full-time worker in Ohio must earn $23.82 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment, while the average worker earns $19.59. Workers such as nurses, teachers, and young families in towns like Medina and Wooster feel these pressures, which extend beyond Ohio.
Building obstacles in rural areas are familiar: high land costs, burdensome infrastructure expenses, and outdated development rules. Each hurdle raises costs, pricing out working families. Congress needs to prioritize housing, as finding affordable housing challenges many Americans, including veterans needing to relocate for new jobs.
To address this, I introduced the Homes for Heroes Act, aiming to increase the VA loan guarantee for veterans purchasing homes. This summer, Congress passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which modernizes housing regulations, expedites building permits, and extends rental assistance.
The law marks progress, but implementation requires vigilance. Ensuring rural communities, including those in Ohio, receive adequate support demands collaboration with Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture Departments. Local collaborations, such as those that led to The Lafayette housing development in Medina County, illustrate successful models that need replication across more districts.
Rural Ohio and America are willing to work. It’s essential that Washington ensures housing availability. Max Miller represents Ohio’s 7th District in Congress.