DHCD recently published the Maryland Housing Needs Assessment, showing a deficit of 132,000 units for the poorest Marylanders.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development last week released the 2025 State Housing Needs Assessment, which expands on and updates the 2020 Housing Needs Assessment, published in December 2020. Maryland DHCD commissioned the report in 2024 and partnered with the National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland College Park to conduct the research and analysis. The 2025 Assessment explores the scope and impact of Maryland’s housing gap, particularly for low-income and elderly households.
The 2025 Maryland Housing Needs Assessment is comprised of an Executive Summary and three separate studies, each focused on a specific topic.
The Housing Production and Zoning Capacity study analyzes Maryland’s regulatory landscape, recent trends in housing production, and zoning capacity related to the state’s projected housing growth through 2045. Per this study’s findings, Maryland needs more than 590,000 new housing units to accommodate projected growth.
The Housing Gaps study analyzes the challenge of housing affordability in Maryland for all residents, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. The study finds that Marylanders across the State are increasingly unable to afford their rent due to the shortage of housing units and rising rents.
The Housing Needs of Older Adults study analyzes housing needs and trends for Maryland’s older adult population. Maryland’s older adult population, aged 65 years or above, is increasing significantly, projected to grow from 16% of Maryland’s total population in 2022 to 21% by 2040. While most would prefer to stay in their community, a lack of local housing options and costly home repairs are challenges for Maryland’s seniors.
The Assessment’s Executive Summary presents several recommendations to address Maryland’s housing needs. First, increasing overall housing production in tandem with upzoning for denser housing types. Second, increasing production of affordable homes, and preserving existing affordable housing stock, especially for older adults and extremely low-income renters. Third, the state must continue to emphasize and provide supportive housing to those experiencing homelessness.
