As Central Ohio continues to grow at a record pace, a new regional survey conducted by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) reveals residents are increasingly worried about the costs and accessibility of housing, jobs, and childcare—highlighting key challenges that could shape the area’s economic future.
The Leaders Listen: Economic Development survey gathered responses from residents across 15 Central Ohio counties. Conducted in partnership with Measurement Resources Company and The Columbus Dispatch, the initiative aims to guide regional planning efforts by capturing everyday experiences and economic perceptions amid the region’s rapid development.
Key Survey Findings:
- Housing Affordability Dominates Concerns:
A staggering 73% of respondents said housing in the region is too expensive, and 31% cited a lack of available options. More than half (51%) believe that increasing the supply of affordable housing would do more to strengthen the economy than attracting new businesses or supporting small businesses. - Jobs and Wages Remain a Challenge:
While 54% remain optimistic about the region’s job market, 36% still say there’s a shortage of high-paying jobs and 26% cite a lack of overall job opportunities. - Childcare as an Economic Barrier:
Nearly one in three residents included the rising cost of childcare among their top economic concerns. Alarmingly, 20% of families with children under five reported cutting back on childcare in order to afford housing. - Infrastructure Needs Outpace Public Support for Tax Increases:
Two-thirds of respondents agree that more investment in infrastructure and utilities is essential to support regional growth. However, only 42% support raising taxes to fund such projects, signaling a preference for innovative or efficient funding approaches.
A Call for Coordinated Solutions
“These results reinforce that the future of Central Ohio’s economy depends on how we address housing, workforce support, and access to services like childcare,” said William Murdock, MORPC Executive Director. “Residents are telling us they want collaborative, forward-thinking solutions—and they see these issues as interconnected, not separate silos.”
The data will feed directly into MORPC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), guiding both public and private initiatives to better support the region’s expanding population.
Dave Dixon, MORPC Director of Data & Strategy, emphasized the broader implications: “Central Ohioans recognize housing is not just a quality-of-life issue—it’s an economic issue. If we want to remain competitive and attract the workforce we need, we must invest in the fundamentals that support strong, resilient communities.”
The Leaders Listen initiative is part of MORPC’s broader push to reach communities that are often left out of traditional public engagement, helping ensure that future growth is inclusive and reflective of diverse resident priorities.
To view the full survey results, visit morpc.org/leaderslisten.
