Michigan houses are old and getting older. It’s a ‘huge problem’ for state

Michigan's housing landscape is marked by an aging population of homes, presenting a significant challenge for the state. This issue has been a concern since the typical Michigan home was built, during Richard Nixon's presidency and the withdrawal of US forces from Vietnam. The Exorcist was the highest-grossing film of the year, reflecting the pop culture of the time.

Approximately 60% of occupied Michigan homes, around 2.5 million units, were constructed before the 1970s, making them older than the national average. The median home in the state is notably older than the rest of the nation. These aging homes are primarily concentrated in major cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids, although older homes can be found throughout the state.

Aging housing stock brings numerous issues, including outdated water heaters, deteriorating shingles, and cracking foundations. More concerning are concerns about asbestos tile, lead-based paint, and knob-and-tube electrical wiring in even older homes. These issues can pose financial barriers for first-time homebuyers, with the median age of such buyers reaching an all-time high of 40 years old, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Michigan lawmakers have proposed legislation to reform zoning laws to encourage more and faster homebuilding, but these bills have not been passed. The next governor may have to deal with this ongoing debate. Both Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James have ideas for making housing more affordable, although they have not outlined specific plans to address the challenges posed by old homes.

David Allen, who manages the Office of Market Research at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, considers the aging housing stock a "reasonably serious issue." He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that these homes remain available for use, as many are still functional but not yet obsolete. He notes that a significant number of Michigan homes are not near the point of needing major repairs.