Mobile and Manufactured Homes In Central Appalachia and Alabama: Age, Condition and Need for Replacement

Abstract

Low property values, high energy usage and high vacancy rates among older mobile and manufactured homes are all evidence of the low quality of the oldest mobile and manufactured homes in Central Appalachia and Appalachian Alabama. Many residents of these housing units experience severe financial burdens because they earn low incomes and face relatively high housing costs, with more than 70,000 households paying more than 30% of their income for utilities alone. In many cases, a new, more energy efficient home would offer these households the opportunity for financial stability and, in turn, the opportunity to provide for their children, build wealth for the future and age in place.