Overview: A landmark two-year study from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and St. Louis REALTORS reveals that single-family homes across St. Louis County face an estimated $2.92 billion backlog in unmet repairs, with the average home requiring $9,146 in critical maintenance. Driven by an aging suburban housing supply averaging over 62 years old, widespread basement leaks, and severe weather damage, the deficit disproportionately threatens low-income families and accelerates housing instability and suburban vacancy if left unaddressed.
New research exposes an aging suburban housing stock, a massive multibillion-dollar repair backlog, and the urgent push to preserve affordable single-family homes.
Research Finds Average Home Needs $9,146 in Repairs; Countywide Backlog of $2.92 Billion
ST. LOUIS (Sept. 29, 2026) – A new landmark report reveals deep structural challenges across the region. Leaders unveiled the findings from a first-of-its-kind study examining unmet home maintenance during a public luncheon on Sept. 29 . The study is titled The Hidden Housing Crisis: Needed Repairs for Single-Family Homes in St. Louis County .
Both St. Louis REALTORS® and the University of Missouri—St. Louis Community Innovation and Action Center hosted the event . Together, they shared groundbreaking data with community leaders .
Understanding the True Scale of the Crisis
Overall, this research sheds crucial light on the scale of home repair challenges throughout the county . In addition, it underscores how repairs preserve affordable housing . Timely fixes also protect household wealth, support aging in place, and improve physical and mental health .
Consequently, more than a hundred housing professionals, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders attended the luncheon . Community stakeholders joined them to examine the findings, review national best practices, and discuss potential local solutions .
Rigorous Research Across the County
Faculty from the University of Missouri—St. Louis Community Innovation and Action Center led the two-year investigation. They partnered directly with St. Louis REALTORS® and the Home Repair Network.
Throughout the project, the research team collected and analyzed data from 637 homeowners in single-family houses across the county . Therefore, the final report offers a precise look at neighborhood conditions.
Key Findings from the Report
The study revealed several alarming metrics regarding suburban housing conditions :
- The average single-family home in St. Louis County needs $9,146 in repairs .
- Addressing all needed repairs countywide carries an estimated total cost of $2.92 billion .
- Low-income households account for approximately $732 million of that unmet repair total .
- The average local home is 62.3 years old, which far exceeds the national average of 44 years .
- Nearly 22% of respondents report damage from severe weather, including the 2025 tornado .
- Weatherization, basement sealing, and electrical improvements represent the top repair needs .
- More than 40% of surveyed homeowners report at least one leak in their basement .
- Residents who are “extremely worried” about forced displacement face repair costs averaging over $25,000 .
The Human Toll Beyond Broken Walls
Furthermore, researchers found that these maintenance challenges extend far beyond physical property lines . Housing deterioration directly degrades physical, mental, and financial wellbeing .
As a result, unaddressed damage fuels chronic stress and social isolation . In time, it chips away at family wealth and shrinks the region’s affordable housing supply .
“Home repairs are not simply about maintaining buildings,” said Todd Swanstrom, Des Lee Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration at the University of Missouri—St. Louis . “Our research shows that home repairs help people remain healthy, preserve affordable housing, support aging in place and protect the wealth families have built over generations . The need is significant, but so is the opportunity to strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life for thousands of residents .”
Disparities in North St. Louis County
Specifically, the report identified the greatest repair deficits in North St. Louis County . Many families in these neighborhoods navigate tight budgets and lack sufficient home equity for major renovations .
Consequently, unattended deterioration leads to vacant, abandoned properties . This ongoing cycle steadily widens existing economic divides between communities .
“Homeownership remains one of the primary ways families build stability and long-term wealth,” said Charlie Hinderliter, Chief Advocacy Officer and Director of Commercial Services for St. Louis REALTORS® . “St. Louis REALTORS® supported this research because we recognized the need to better understand the challenges facing existing homeowners . These findings provide the data needed to spark meaningful conversations, guide investment and develop solutions that help residents remain safely and successfully in their homes .”
Real-World Relief for Local Homeowners
Fortunately, existing assistance programs demonstrate the life-changing power of targeted repairs . For example, M.C. Thomas, a Dellwood resident of 25 years, faced mounting medical and financial obstacles . Through Rebuilding Together, Thomas received a new water heater, plumbing fixes, energy-efficient windows, a sliding glass door, electrical upgrades, and fall-prevention modifications .
“Stress is a terrible thing,” stated Thomas . “You can’t eat well, you don’t sleep well, you don’t do anything well, and if you don’t do something about it, it just gets worse and worse . That’s what I would go to bed with and wake up with every day . By that being fixed, that stress is gone . Now, I wake up and I am happy . I am full of pride . I want to show my place off .”
Similarly, Patricia Lake of Lemay found critical assistance through The Housing Partnership . The team installed a new roof, repaired an exterior door, added a walk-in shower, raised the toilet, and replaced damaged bathroom flooring .
“I don’t have to worry again about rain coming in through the bedroom closet or in the kitchen ceiling,” Lake explained . “That’s a big deal that relieves so much stress and worry off of me . … I am a grandparent raising grandchildren . … I have a 94-year-old mother that comes to visit . I have a handicapped child . So yeah, just the accessibility has been a wonderful thing for us . … I don’t know what we would have done .”
Building a Stronger Home Repair Ecosystem
Ultimately, while dedicated local groups continue to do vital work, the community needs substantially more funding . Public, private, and philanthropic leaders must step forward to meet the actual scale of demand .
Meanwhile, partners are actively working to expand the regional repair network . By streamlining services, they plan to make support faster, clearer, and far more accessible for every resident in need .
The complete report is available here: https://www.stlrealtors.com/
Community Innovation and Action Center University of Missouri—St. Louis
The Community Innovation and Action Center University of Missouri—St. Louis (CIAC) is a research center focused on engaging with local communities and connecting the dots across partners, sectors, and information to address pressing issues in the St. Louis region and beyond.
About St. Louis REALTORS®
St. Louis REALTORS® is the voice of real estate in the Greater St. Louis area, representing 8,000 real estate professionals. St. Louis REALTORS® provides knowledge, guidance, and resources to our members, promotes diversity and growth within our region, encourages professionalism, and protects private property rights.
