Chapter 6
Current Housing Overview In recent years, there has been an overall shift in homeownership trends nationwide, within the Greater Houston area, and within Brazoria County: Î Decreasing homeownership rates nationwide (Figure 6.1) Î Decreasing rental unit vacancy in the Greater Houston area and Pearland (Figure 6.2) Î Increasing home values and rental rates throughout Houston, with Pearland exceeding the regional averages (Figures 6.4 and 6.5) The pattern of residential construction and rising prices in Pearland have not responded to these trends, making the city less competitive for housing in the Houston region. Pearland has lower-than-average overall housing variety and larger-than-average shares of occupied single-family homes in the region. Meanwhile, single-family home construction in Brazoria County continues to grow, with multifamily construction at a 15-year low from 2016-2020. RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP In 2021, there were nearly 127 million households in the United States and approximately 2/3 of them were owner-occupied. The tendency to own a home increases with age; consequently, most homeowners are over the age of 35. In addition, overall homeownership rates have remained fairly stable over the last 10 years, across all age groups. FIGURE 6.1: NATIONAL HOME OWNERSHIP RATES
HOUSING SUPPLY
Housing
DETACHED HOUSING
81%
Pearland residents report a high quality of life and believe that Pearland is a great place to live. The 2021 Community Survey conducted by the National Research Center and Polco shows that more than 90% of residents positively rated the city as a good or excellent place to live. The Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) boasts that “A low cost of living and easy access to Houston’s world-class cultural amenities, professional sports and attractions make Pearland the perfect fit for companies looking for a place to call home.” This pride in Pearland being a superior place to live is reflected in the existing land use patterns. More than 80% of the developed land area is dedicated to some type of housing.
LARGE APARTMENTS OTHER
11%
8%
Housing in Pearland is mostly single-family detached homes, with some multifamily and other housing stock. Since most of Pearland’s housing stock has been constructed since the year 2000, large tracts of Pearland were developed as detached single-family subdivisions with 50-foot to 60-foot frontage lots on approximately 1/6 acre lots. Examples of this pattern include master- planned communities such as Lakes of Highland Glen, Shadow Creek Ranch, Southdown, Southern Trails, and Sunrise Lakes. As is the case throughout Texas, Pearland has low housing diversity. Relatively few middle market housing choices such as duplexes, bungalows, garden homes, or townhomes have been constructed in Pearland. A common theme from the public engagement portion of this comprehensive plan divulged a frustration with availability of housing stock attainable for first- time buyers, workforce housing (for example, retail employees, police, and schoolteachers), and retirees looking to downsize. The average home footprints and purchase prices available are not typically affordable by population in the age 20 to 30 cohort, which may be why this cohort’s population is lower than expected compared to surrounding communities. This chapter provides an overview of existing housing stock, describes alternative housing types, compares the current housing policies for tax revenue against infrastructure, and recommends policies to increase the diversity of housing choices within the City.
All Ages
Under 35 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 54 years
55 to 64 years
65 years and over
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, April 27, 2022
PEARLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040
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