Elderly Residents’ Evaluation of Rural Rental Housing in Northwest Missouri

Abstract

The population of 330 elderly tenants of FmHA Section 515 Rural Rental housing developments in 16 small towns in five northwest Missouri counties was surveyed by mail to assess the importance of specified features of the apartment units and complexes. The purpose of the study was to determine satisfaction with selected aspects and to identify features desired to be changed. A usable response rate of 62 percent, or 204 cases, was achieved.

The apartment units and complexes appeared to be meeting user needs, although sources of dissatisfaction for a minority, suggested changes centered on parking spaces, community building/room size and laundry facilities, bathtubs without showers, accessible and adequate storage space, and location. The concerns apparently unique to subsidized multi-family housing for rural small town elderly related to parking, community buildings and site selection.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Betty Jo White

Betty Jo White is an Associate Professor in the Department of Consumer Sciences and Housing, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Paula E. Hauber

Paula Hauber Kennish is Area Housing Specialist for Missouri Cooperative Extension Service, Oregon, Missouri.