New Apartments and Condos an Unlikely Source of Classroom Crowding - 8/30/2004 - Real Estate Education Training Schools Conferences

New Apartments and Condos an Unlikely Source of Classroom Crowding, Study Finds

According to an analysis of recent American Housing Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of school-age children who live in multifamily housing is almost half that of single-family households.

There are an average of 62 school-age children for every 100 households living in single-family homes, according to the Census data, but only about 37 for the same number of multifamily households.

“The idea that multifamily housing puts an undue burden on local schools is basically a myth,” said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn. “It is not borne out by the facts, but, unfortunately, it is a myth that has led to a lot of opposition to apartment and condo development in communities across the country.”

“Education is the biggest item in most local government budgets, so it’s reasonable that an influx of students would be a concern,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders. “But the data show that the impact of multifamily construction on enrollment is quite limited.”

NAHB’s analysis also found that the number of school-age children is even lower for larger, higher-density apartment buildings. In buildings with more than 20 apartments or condos, there are only about 26 school-age children per 100 households.

That number is even lower for people who recently bought or rented. And in buildings with only one- and two-bedroom apartments or condos, the number drops even further, with condo residents reporting fewer children than renters.

The fewest school-age children, the study found, are in recently purchased condominium homes in buildings with more than 20 units — about 10 children for every 100 of those households.

“This data makes a lot of sense when you also look at the demographic trends of renters and condo buyers,” said Seiders. “Multifamily households are much more likely to serve either younger households or singles or couples, or ‘empty-nesters’ whose children are already grown.”

Seiders added that this data should make it easier for local governments and planning boards to consider a diverse and affordable housing stock — one that includes apartments and condos — without worrying about overstressing their local schools.

For more information about this new research, e-mail Ann Marie Moriarty at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8350.