Monroe County Transit: Existing Conditions Analysis

EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

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2.7 Housing A housing gap is evident in the disparity between housing costs and the median household income, as reported by the US Census for the years 2018-2022. The median values of owner-occupied housing units during this period were notably high, standing at $696,900. Concurrently, the median gross rent reached $1,919, placing a considerable financial burden on renters. In contrast, the median household income, representing the earnings of a typical household, was reported at $80,111 (in 2022 dollars) during the same timeframe. This figure reflects the average income for households, indicating the financial capacity of families to afford housing. The per capita income, an essential metric representing individual earnings, was reported at $54,630 (in 2022 dollars) for the past 12 months from 2018 to 2022. This indicates the average income earned per person within the specified time frame. The cost of housing, whether owned or rented, significantly outpaces the median household income and per capita income. Monroe County’s median gross rent is over 28% of the median (gross) household income level, and a family with the median income probably would not qualify for a loan to purchase a median priced dwelling unit in the county-even with a 20% down payment. This discrepancy highlights the financial challenges faced by residents in affording suitable housing, contributing to the broader issue of housing affordability and accessibility.

2.6 Zoning & Land Use Much of Key West—particularly neighborhoods in and near the historic district–was developed before zoning and widespread auto ownership. These neighborhoods have a walkable scale, complete sidewalk network, and a robust mix of housing types, small hotels and various types of commercial development, all within a short walk of each other. Most trips within these neighborhoods are taken on foot or on a bicycle, and their density and walkability make them easy to serve with public transit for medium-to longer distance trips. Land use in most other parts of Monroe County follows suburban development patterns, with zoning that strictly separates of different types of residential uses (single-family, multi-family, mobile homes) and that separates residential from retail, office, institutional. hospitality and other land uses. While new, moderate-income multi-family housing is under construction on Stock Island and in other areas of the county, low- to moderate-income housing in the county is mostly provided in the form of mobile home parks, which often are beyond reasonable walking distance from nearby retail or institutional uses and from longer-distance transit routes operating on US 1. Sidewalks and bike lanes are generally available in neighborhoods, but the strict separation of uses makes it harder for those who walk, bike and use public transit to get around.