Honors Program Theses

Award/Availability

Honors Program Thesis (UNI Access Only)

First Advisor

Kirsten Juhl

Abstract

Housing affordability is typically defined as spending 30% or less of one’s gross monthly income on housing expenses. This research examines affordability in Black Hawk County, primarily focused on graduates from the University of Northern Iowa. Of the rentals on the market in Black Hawk County, 49.04% are considered affordable for the average UNI graduate. In Cedar Falls, 33.93% of available rentals were affordable for the average graduate. For graduates looking to purchase a home, there were three properties in Cedar Falls, 35 in Waterloo, and 11 across the rest of Black Hawk County that would cost less than 30% of their monthly income based on current cost estimates. Research for the rental market, home purchase market, loss aversion, and price-to-rent ratios highlight potential issues regarding affordability In Black Hawk County. National affordability trends are more concerning than local trends, as demand and prices in major cities continue to drive the median home price higher.

Year of Submission

2024

Department

Department of Finance

University Honors Designation

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation University Honors

Date Original

5-2024

Object Description

1 PDF (32 pages)

Language

en

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