Housing in Detroit is often discussed in terms of its absence or dilapidation. It’s no wonder that Detroit’s housing stock has suffered over the decades of job loss, disinvestment, and discrimination. When nearly 40% of residents live below the poverty line, investing in housing comes secondary to food, water, heat, etc. The vast majority of the city (93%) was built before 1978 when the Lead Rule banning lead in paint was adopted.
The city saw a housing boom during and after World War II when thousands of people migrated to Detroit for good paying jobs which at the time made up one-sixth of all employment in the country. Currently, 62% of residential housing was built before 1950 in Detroit.
Internationally, housing has been shown to be a critical component of good health. Whether it is providing a cement floor and tin roof to families in Haiti or ensuring routine maintenance in Brooklyn public housing, the structures that we live in contribute greatly to our physical health and overall well-being. The Housing for Health initiative provides a guide and toolkit to ensure nine specific healthy home practices to create healthier communities.
DETROITography 
Some of the Victorians should be preserved (but others are Beyond preserving.) MANY of the Oldest homes in North Corktown, Woodbridge and Brush Park are already gone. Ditto the Lower Cass Corridor. But the Plurality of Detroit homes were built during 1910-1930, when the City’s population Quadrupled(!) due to the Auto Manufacturing Boom.
What is the source for the data presented in the map about housing in Detroit erected before 1978? Thank you.
From what I read lead appears to be a problem with many urban areas. I write about the housing situation in Detroit and I invite you to check out my blog and perhaps we can provide each other with useful information.
Reblogged this on Alex B. Hill.
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