Affordable living does not automatically mean affordable housing. Officials lay out findings from a housing study.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Change is on the way to Lackawanna County’s housing market.

“There’s no question that Lackawanna County and all of the Northeast is facing a housing challenge,” said Thom Welby, Commission Chair.

A meeting held Wednesday highlighted some of these problems and potential solutions.

“So, we have for the first time a county-wide housing strategy and study that was released today,” said County Commissioner Bill Gaughan. “So, it gives us a road map on how we can improve the existing housing stock in Lackawanna County and then how we can help streamline things so that developers can build affordable housing for people throughout our county because it’s one of our greatest needs.”



This story continues below.


More in Local









Lackawanna County offers strategy to aid housing costs




The study found in part that housing costs have risen greatly since 2019, outpacing growth for many households.

It also found renters are feeling increased cost burdens, and much of the county’s housing stock was built before the 60s and needs work.

Since 2020, demand has renewed, costs have risen, and inventory has tightened. 

“And one of the things that we have now is, you know, people is talking about the dwindling population in Lackawanna County. But I see it in the city of Scranton, just the opposite in the Scranton School District, just right now, there’s an excess of 9300 students, which, it’s the highest it’s been in 10 or 15 years,” said Welby. 

Commissioner Thom Welby said there are over 100 students in the Scranton School District who experience homelessness, further emphasizing the importance of finding solutions.

“We have to go back with the federal government’s going to step up and reinvest in our local communities and allow for them the establishment of the construction of new housing as well as fixing up old housing where the people can stay,” Welby said.

Bob Durkin with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce said this problem can also impact business in the area.

“The idea of trying to bring people here, keep people here, attract businesses and individuals to come here. You can’t just come here because we have a place for your business; you know there’s a building for you. Okay, but you need people, and those people need to have quality of life that includes quality housing,” Durkin said.

Other possible solutions include modernizing zoning, expanding rental and utility assistance, and establishing a county-wide housing task force.

For more information, visit the Lackawanna County website.