By: The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) | 7.11.25
Download the completed Wamego 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 Wamego Housing Assessment
The Wamego Housing Assessment (HAT) reveals that while the city has experienced notable residential growth since 2019—including new subdivisions and the construction of single-family homes and apartment units—housing availability remains a critical issue. Development has been mostly reactive, with limited city incentives or strategic infrastructure planning beyond basic needs. This shortage has led to a mismatch between housing supply and community demand, particularly affecting workforce and moderate-income households. The median home value has increased more rapidly than income, making homeownership less attainable, and affordable rental options remain scarce.
Housing conditions in Wamego are generally solid, with few concentrated areas of deterioration. However, homes over 50 years old require more cosmetic maintenance, especially in the original townsite area. While code enforcement and infrastructure are strong—thanks to adherence to modern building codes and reliable public utilities—the community lacks programs to support housing rehabilitation or promote homeownership through incentives. Community engagement highlighted widespread concern about limited housing options, which not only restricts residential growth but also affects business recruitment and retention due to workforce housing shortages.
The report emphasizes the need for targeted housing solutions: increased inventory for moderate-income families, more affordable rentals, and options for seniors wishing to age in place. Stakeholders noted the impact of the upcoming closure of Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., which will exacerbate workforce housing pressures. The city is encouraged to offer development incentives, support home rehabilitation, and facilitate a variety of housing types to meet the evolving needs of its residents. Leadership alignment and existing infrastructure position Wamego well to respond to these challenges, but funding remains a significant barrier to implementation.
Key findings of the report include:
Wamego’s housing supply is not keeping pace with growth: Despite recent development, the city faces a shortage of affordable rentals and moderate-income single-family homes.
Workforce housing is a critical need: The lack of attainable housing for households earning $50,000–$120,000 impacts local businesses’ ability to attract and retain workers.
Aging housing stock presents maintenance challenges: Homes over 50 years old require more cosmetic upkeep, especially in the original townsite area.
Community engagement revealed strong demand for housing: Residents, employers, and realtors all identified the housing shortage as a top concern limiting growth and quality of life.
Senior-friendly housing options are lacking: As the population ages, there is growing demand for slab homes and other accessible housing to allow residents to age in place.
Upcoming employer closure adds urgency: The closure of Caterpillar Work Tools Inc. will put added pressure on the local economy and housing market.
City infrastructure is in good shape and ready for growth: Utilities, roads, and services can support further residential development, especially with the right incentives.
Incentives are needed to spur both new development and rehabilitation: Builders cited high costs as a barrier and emphasized the importance of city-supported incentives to move projects forward.
Next Steps for Housing in Wamego
Having a current community HAT in-hand is the first step, but a very important one in positioning projects for the community.
Support Incentive Programs: Explore local and state programs like RHID and MIH that can help offset the high costs of development and rehabilitation.
Prioritize Workforce & Moderate-Income Housing: Focus efforts on building attainable homes for families and workers earning $50,000–$120,000 to support economic growth and employer needs.
Encourage Rehabilitation of Existing Homes: Partner with community organizations or pursue grant opportunities to create programs that assist with home repairs and improvements.
Advance Development-Ready Projects: Collaborate with developers who already have projects ready to go, ensuring they have the tools and incentives needed to move forward.
Expand Senior-Friendly Housing Options: Plan for more slab homes and accessible housing types to meet the needs of Wamego’s aging population.
Continue Community Engagement: Keep residents, employers, and stakeholders informed and involved in shaping housing priorities and solutions.
Work with Regional Partners: Collaborate with county leaders, chambers, and neighboring communities to address shared challenges and identify scalable solutions.
Download the completed Wamego Housing Assessment Tool as a pdf.
