Johnson County Housing Coalition
The Johnson County Housing Coalition exists to support attainable housing in Johnson County through education, policy change, and increased diversity of inventory. We envision a Johnson County where housing is aligned with all income levels and needs so everyone has a safe place to live.
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Our Programs
Residency Rental Program
The Residency Rental Program, operated by Spaces for All, is an affordable housing initiative in Johnson County, Indiana, designed to serve low- to moderate-income (ALICE) households earning below 80% of the Area Median Income. Residents are offered below-market rent for up to three years, during which they participate in financial literacy courses to build financial stability and afford fair-market housing by the end of their stay. The program is notably inclusive, accepting applicants with past evictions, criminal records, and other barriers that would typically disqualify them from traditional rentals, and currently operates one home with plans to expand as future developments allow.
Subleasing Program
This program is designed to help households in Franklin, Union, or Needham townships within Johnson County who are unable to secure a lease directly with a property owner or manager. Clients are referred exclusively through the FUN (Franklin, Union, Needham) Trustee Office and must be able to pay their monthly rent.
The program serves two types of clients: those above 60% of the area median income who face barriers to leasing, and lower-income households whose rent assistance is tied to HUD income guidelines. All participants are required to engage in weekly case management with the FUN Trustee's Office, complete a Financial Literacy Course, and use TurboTenant for applications, rent payments, and progress surveys. After 12 months of on-time payments, the coalition works toward transitioning the lease directly to the tenant.
Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)
NAP funds are restricted funds managed by the Johnson County Housing Coalition that are designated for housing-related assistance for individuals who have experienced incarceration. Johnson County nonprofits refer eligible clients to the program by submitting a NAP Referral Form. Individuals are not eligible to submit these forms. They must be referred to the program by a Johnson County nonprofit.
Diverse Housing: Meeting Community Needs
One of the Coalition’s goals is to work with governments, builders and developers to build housing that reflects our current and future population. Because housing is not one-size-fits-all, diverse housing ensures a community offers a variety of options—such as apartments, townhouses, single-family homes, and starter or senior spaces—at multiple price points. Relying on a single housing type creates significant gaps in the local market.
The Economic Benefits
Beyond strengthening the community fabric, diverse housing provides three major economic advantages:
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Attracts Talent and Business: Offering options for everyone—from entry-level workers to executives—builds the workforce. This draws new businesses to the area and allows people to live, work, and spend in the same community.
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Boosts Local Spending: When housing costs don't overburden residents, they have more disposable income to support local shops, restaurants, and essential services like healthcare and childcare.
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Increases Resilience: Communities with a varied housing market and a diverse workforce are much less vulnerable to economic downturns or shocks to a single industry.
A Mismatch Exists in What People Want and What is Available
Mixed Use Developments
Integrating commercial, retail, and residential spaces into a single area creates vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that benefit residents and help ensure a stronger local economy.
The Power of Mixed-Use Development
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Economic Vitality: Physical proximity fosters a "built-in" customer base. When neighbors live steps away from shops, they become the backbone of the local economy, ensuring businesses, their customers and employees thrive.
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Infrastructure Efficiency: Mixed-use developments are more cost-effective than urban sprawl. Think of it as the idyllic American small town. People and services are provided locally. When utilities and services are in a small area cost savings naturally follow.
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Social Stability: Shared public spaces and mixed-income housing build strong relationships. Neighbors become the local economy, creating a more resilient, engaged community where people and businesses thrive together.
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Reduced Congestion: By placing daily needs within walking distance, mixed-use zoning decreases traffic and eases the strain on local roads.
The Johnson County Indiana Housing Market
In Johnson County, the housing landscape is heavily weighted toward detached single-family residences, reflecting the county’s suburban and semi-rural character. As of early 2026, there are approximately 68,142 total housing units in the county.
Source: Census and STATS Indiana data 2025
The Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors tracks the Central Indiana housing market. They release sales and price reports monthly. Find the Johnson County, Indiana Housing Data here.
Source: MIBOR February, 2026
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Click to View the February MIBOR Johnson County, Indiana Report
Johnson County Workforce & Wages
Wages in Johnson County
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Mid-2025, the average weekly wage across private industries is about $1,007, estimating an annual average of roughly $52,364.
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There's notable sector variation: high homeownership rates and property values contrast with lower local wages.
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Many residents commute to Marion County for higher-paying jobs, especially in retail and food services, where wages are significantly below regional averages.
Source: Indiana Business Research Center
Average Annual Wages in the Top Five Categories
(2025–2026 Estimates)
Source: Indiana Business Research Center
For a more detailed look at employment and industries in Johnson County, visit the Aspire Johnson County Economic Dashboard here.
Resources: Learn More About Housing
These resources will help you understand the housing issues facing our county and give you a look at what we might be able to do to improve housing diversity in our communities.
About JoCoHoCo
Get Involved
Want to get involved or attend a meeting? Our meetings are open to the public. We meet monthly in person and via Zoom.
Who Supports Us
The coalition is made up of individuals, organizations and businesses with a common goal of improving housing in Johnson County.
Meet Our Board
Amanda Ott, President
Jody Veldkamp, Vice President
Amanda Rubadue, Secretary
Steve Burkhardt, Treasurer