ST. LOUIS (Sept. 29, 2026) – Findings from a first-of-its-kind study examining unmet home repair needs across St. Louis County, titled The Hidden Housing Crisis: Needed Repairs for Single-Family Homes in St. Louis County, were publicly released on Sept. 29 during a luncheon hosted by St. Louis REALTORS® and the University of Missouri—St. Louis Community Innovation and Action Center. The research sheds new light on the scale of housing repair needs throughout the county and underscores the role home repairs play in preserving affordable housing, protecting household wealth, supporting aging in place and improving physical and mental health.
More than a hundred housing professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders and community stakeholders attended the event, which featured a presentation of the findings, national best practices and a discussion of potential local solutions.
The study was conducted by researchers with the University of Missouri—St. Louis Community Innovation and Action Center in partnership with St. Louis REALTORS® and the Home Repair Network. Researchers spent two years examining home repair needs across St. Louis County, collecting and analyzing data from 637 homeowners residing in single-family homes throughout the county.
Key findings from the study include:
- The average single-family home in St. Louis County needs $9,146 in repairs.
- The total cost to address all needed repairs countywide is estimated at $2.92 billion.
- Low-income households account for approximately $732 million in unmet repair needs.
- The average home is 62.3 years old, significantly older than 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 are top repair needs.
- More than 40% of respondents report having at least one leak in their basement.
- Those “extremely worried” they would need to move out in the next few years cite needed repairs averaging more than $25,000.
Researchers found home repair challenges extend well beyond housing conditions. The report notes that housing deterioration affects physical, mental and financial health, contributes to stress and social isolation, threatens household wealth and reduces the supply of affordable housing throughout the region.
“Home repairs are not simply about maintaining buildings,” said Todd Swanstrom, Des Lee Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration at the at the University of Missouri—St. Louis and a researcher involved in the study. “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.”
The study found repair needs are greatest in North St. Louis County, where many households face limited financial resources and lack the home equity necessary to fund major repairs. Researchers noted that housing deterioration contributes to vacant and abandoned properties and can widen existing economic disparities.
“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.”
The study also highlighted the real-world impact home repair assistance programs are already having on local residents. A Dellwood homeowner of 25 years, who experienced medical and financial setbacks, received a new water heater, plumbing repairs, new windows and a sliding glass door, electrical upgrades, fall-prevention improvements and other repairs through Rebuilding Together.
“Stress is a terrible thing,” stated M.C. Thomas of Dellwood. “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.”
Another homeowner described the relief her family experienced after receiving a new roof, a repaired back door, a walk-in shower, a raised toilet and a new bathroom floor through The Housing Partnership. “I don’t have to worry again about rain coming in through the bedroom closet or in the kitchen ceiling,” stated Patricia Lake of Lemay. “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.”
Researchers concluded that while important efforts are underway to address repair needs, substantially more investment is needed from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to meet existing demand. The report also points to ongoing work to strengthen and improve the region’s home repair ecosystem, making services more efficient, transparent and accessible for residents seeking assistance.
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.
