36,000 New Residents by 2035: Is the Region Ready?
The 2025 Columbus Regional Housing Study reveals a pivotal moment for the Chattahoochee Valley. With population growth accelerating across eight counties in Georgia and Alabama, the region faces a pressing need for over 14,000 new housing units in the next decade. This report, developed by CEDR in partnership with United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, offers a data-rich foundation for understanding where gaps exist, how affordability is shifting, and what communities may need to consider as they prepare for the future.
Columbus regional housing study area
Quick Facts about the Study Region
36,000 New Residents by 2035
Population growth will create demand for over 14,000 new housing units over the next ten years.
$35K–$89K Median Household Income Range
Household incomes vary dramatically across the region, creating economic differences that shape housing affordability, workforce mobility, and local investment opportunities.
Missing Middle Housing
A lack of ‘missing middle’ options—such as duplexes, townhomes, and small multifamily buildings—limits affordable choices for middle-income households and constrains workforce retention.
About the Project
CEDR partnered with United Way to assess housing needs across eight counties in Georgia and Alabama. The study supports efforts to align housing availability with workforce development, infrastructure planning, and economic resilience.
Research Process
- County tours and stakeholder interviews
- Online surveys with 433 respondents
- Data modeling for future housing demand
- Affordability analysis by income tier
