1000 Friends of Wisconsin projects that 400,000 new households will be located in Wisconsin between 1995 and 2015.¹  The housing density maps below show that housing density has increased significantly with time. The loss of undeveloped woodlands (less than five housing units per square mile, green) has been dramatic. Increase in second homes and non-resident landowners have resulted in more forest owners of smaller parcels. Development is also increasing in fire-prone areas.²  As land becomes more valuable for recreational use and home development, large tracts of land are being marketed.

Housing trends are important to determine for a community. Decisions on where the preferred areas are for new housing and how these areas will accommodate public services such as roads, sewer and water connections, schools, and fire and police protection need to be part of a plan.  Also the community may want to designate areas where housing is not a desirable land use.

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