he SRS Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO), in partnership with Georgia Power and KB Advisory Group, today released the results of a comprehensive regional housing study that evaluates current housing trends and economic development drivers and outlines strategies to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth across the Aiken-Augusta region.

The study — spanning eight counties in two states (Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Burke, Columbia, Edgefield, McDuffie, and Richmond) — provides in-depth data and actionable insights aimed at addressing housing affordability, availability and diversity over the next five years. It incorporates demographic trends, economic indicators, community feedback and economic development projections to determine the housing mix needed to meet workforce demands.

“Georgia Power is proud to support this regional housing study, helping community partners better understand the housing needs across the CSRA,” said Kerry Bridges, region executive with Georgia Power. “Workforce housing is a key factor in our region’s continued development. It’s just as vital as our ongoing work to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. We’re honored to play a role in both, and we hope this study helps guide future growth across the communities we serve.”

Key findings include:

• Job growth is a main driver of housing needs, with 16,256 new jobs expected by 2030.

• There is a projected need for more than 17,350 new housing units by 2030.

• This represents a 43% annual increase in housing production.

• The largest gaps in supply are: 

                         - Rentals under $1,000 per month (1,687 new units needed); 

                         - Homes priced between $100,000 and $200,000 (1,157 new units needed); 

                         - Homes priced between $200,000 and $300,000 (1,771 new units needed).

• Common barriers to new development across counties include infrastructure limitations, water and sewer capacity constraints, and regulatory challenges.

The study provides a county-by-county analysis, allowing each community to address regional housing demand while maintaining its unique priorities and character.

Next steps

The SRSCRO will partner with local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce to host a series of stakeholder meetings and workshops to present the study’s findings and gather input on potential policy responses. The full report is available for download at www.srscro.org/housingstudy.

“As our region continues to grow, this study is an essential tool for shaping housing policy and meeting future housing demands,” said Cal Wray, chair of the SRSCRO. “Our goal is to facilitate conversations among industry leaders, local governments and home builders to ensure local policies are based on long-term demand and data that support informed decision-making.”