By: The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) | 12.2.25
Download the completed Blue Township Housing Assessment Tool as a pdf.
Housing Assessment Tool (HAT)
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) is a self-guided resource that helps communities systematically evaluate their local housing environment. Designed to be implemented over a few months by a community-led housing committee, the HAT involves compiling local data—such as demographics, affordability metrics, housing stock conditions, and input from employers and realtors—alongside public engagement. The result is a detailed profile of housing strengths, needs, and priorities. This enables communities to make data-driven decisions and strategically direct efforts toward the greatest areas of need.
The importance of the HAT extends well beyond just data gathering—it positions local leaders to confidently present findings to the Housing Interagency Advisory Committee, unlocking potential funding avenues at the state and federal level. It also removes the burden and expense of contracting external consultants, empowering communities to take ownership of their housing strategy. Moreover, the HAT helps align housing development with economic goals, ensuring workforce needs are met and investment is sustainable.
Housing Assessments Across Pottawatomie County
Because many small communities lack resources to lead a multi-month project, Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation has stepped in to help, partnering with community stakeholders to guide the work.
Highlights from the Blue Township Housing Assessment
Blue Township continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas of Pottawatomie County—and with major new employers on the way, understanding the community’s housing needs has never been more important. Our recently completed Blue Township Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) provides a comprehensive look at local housing conditions, affordability, workforce needs, and community priorities. Below are the major takeaways from the report.
Highlights of the report include:
Strong population growth and high demand
Blue Township’s population has grown steadily to 5,300 residents, with trends indicating continued growth. Employers report ongoing workforce expansion and unmet housing needs.High incomes + high home values
Household incomes are among the highest in the county ($120,370 median household income), but median home values of $311,400 and limited housing variety put pressure on middle-income families and first-time homebuyers.Newer housing stock—but limited affordability
Most homes were built after 2000, creating a high-quality supply but very few moderately priced options. Entry-level and mid-range housing is notably scarce.Strong asset base for future development
Blue Township benefits from visible first responders, recent infrastructure investments, high-income residents, and amenities like the 10-foot Green Valley walking trail—all of which strengthen the case for additional housing and commercial expansion.
Key findings of the assessment include:
Major Gaps in Housing Types and Price Points
The assessment shows clear need for:
- Moderately priced single-family homes
- Townhomes, multiplexes, and small multi-family buildings
- Rental units of all types
- Workforce and moderate-income housing
Current inventory skews toward higher-end homes, limiting options for working families, teachers, healthcare staff, young professionals, and seniors looking to downsize.
Workforce Housing is a Growing Concern
Local employers report difficulty recruiting due to:
- Lack of available housing
- Some workers commuting long distances
- Unfilled positions directly tied to housing shortages
Price points most requested by employers: $100,000–$150,000 homes or comparable rental units.
Community Feedback Emphasizes Quality of Life Assets
Residents voiced strong interest in:
- Additional retail and restaurants
- Parks, recreation spaces, and community events
- Sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks
- More family friendly activities and services
While residents value the area’s quiet neighborhoods and lower taxes, they want more opportunities to stay, shop, and recreate locally.
Physical Housing Condition is Strong
Because most housing is new:
- There are no clusters of dilapidated homes
- Maintenance needs are minimal
- Infrastructure upgrades (particularly sewer) are underway to support continued growth
This positions the township well for new development without the burden of major rehabilitation needs.
Seniors Will Need More Options in the Future
Though the senior population hasn’t changed significantly yet, the community will eventually need:
- Smaller single-level homes
- Accessible apartments
- Senior-friendly rental options
Increasing housing variety now will allow aging residents to stay in Blue Township.
Next Steps for Housing in Blue Township
Based on the HAT findings, several priorities emerge for the coming years:
- Expand Housing Variety and Affordability
Focus areas include:
- Entry-level and mid-level single-family homes
- Townhomes, duplexes, and multiplexes
- Market-rate and affordable rentals
- Workforce-focused developments
Developers are already interested, and many projects are expected to move forward now that the HAT is complete.
- Support Workforce Recruitment Through Housing
Work with employers, developers, and potential incentive tools to:
- Ensure housing supply aligns with job growth
- Reduce long commutes
- Help fill open positions across industries
- Strengthen Community Amenities
Investment in amenities will improve livability and help retain residents:
- Additional retail and dining
- Parks and recreation areas
- Walking and biking infrastructure
- Lighting, sidewalks, and crosswalks
These improvements also increase the township’s attractiveness to developers and families.
- Collaborate Regionally
Continue coordination between:
- Blue Township committee
- Pottawatomie County
- Developers, realtors, and employers
- Local HOAs and residents
- City of Manhattan
A unified approach ensures housing aligns with infrastructure capacity, long-term planning, and future service needs.
- Explore Tools to Offset High Construction Costs
High interest rates and rising materials costs remain major barriers. Potential strategies include:
- Infrastructure partnerships
- Developer incentives
- State and federal housing programs
- Regional collaboration to reduce project risk
Addressing these challenges is key for making more moderate-priced homes financially feasible.
Download the completed Blue Township Housing Assessment Tool as a pdf.
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