The City of Lexington, in collaboration with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, is working on a Housing Needs Study to assess the current and future housing needs of our community. The study will collect data on local housing trends and input from residents and stakeholders to help inform decisions about housing policies, programs, and development priorities. This study will conclude as the Housing Supply and Affordability chapter of the City of Lexington Comprehensive Plan. 

Goals of the Housing Needs Study:

1. Assess current housing conditions
2. Determine housing demand and preferences
3. Identify gaps in housing supply
4. Support data-driven planning and policy

Public Involvement 

The City utilized various methods to inform and engage residents of Lexington about the housing. The public was engaged through:

• 5 pop-ups at community events 
•  4 open houses
• 4 focus groups
• 2 surveys
• Social media and City website
• Physical flyers and table top displays in local businesses

The open houses and focus groups had a combined attendance of 82 attendees through in person and virtual events. The 
virtual events were held via zoom and in some cases included polling questions to gather responses to information shared. 

Key takeaways from Open Houses and Focus Group meetings:

• There is a need for more public education around housing issues:
  • There is a disconnect on what the public thinks the government can enforce about development and who develops what.
  •  There is a disconnect on housing programs currently available to citizens.
• Some current policies/municipal fees are serving as barriers to housing development.
• Citizens felt that the City can do more with underutilized/dilapidated City property.

Survey Highlights

The City disseminated a survey to: 

• Assess current housing conditions;
•  Determine housing demand and preferences;
• Identify gaps in housing supply; and
• Support data-driven planning policy.

The survey was distributed broadly using the same public engagement methods discussed in the Public Involvement section. The survey was live from October 31, 2025, to February 28, 2026. The survey collected 256 in town responses and 186 out of town responses. 

 Key takeaways from the Resident Survey:

• A variety of affordable housing options are wanted in Lexington. (e.g. Townhome, single family, duplex, tiny homes, senior/assisted living)
• A variety of housing styles are wanted in Lexington. (e.g. House aesthetics, One story vs two story, differing lot sizes and setbacks)
• Citizens want a balance between having amenities (e.g. restaurants, entertainment, parks/trails) but not becoming over commercialized.
• Citizens are dissatisfied with the fees associated with renting and owning a 
  home (e.g. rent, utilities, water & sewer hookup)
• There is a need for more housing assistance and support programs.