2024Planning and development to meet future needs

Communitiesleverage planning and zoning to anticipate future needs and adapt to demographic and economicchanges. Comprehensive plans with zoning codes, maps, and ordinances guide development andregulate a community’s land use. This ensures land is used in ways that are consistent with acommunity's vision and goals for growth, safety, and quality of life. Monroe County is at a pivotalmoment, with demographic and economic shifts that present unique challenges and opportunities.Local wages are catching up but have historically lagged, with June 2024 private sector averagehourly wages in Monroe County at $29.22, compared to the state average of $30.07 and nationalaverage of $34.99. (Source: St. Louis FRED). At the same time, housing costs have remained up.The median monthly sale price for July 2024 in Monroe County was $318,350 according to theIndiana Association of Realtors. Finally, Monroe County reflects the national trend of an agingpopulation, adding just over 5,000 people aged 65+ from 2012-2022, with a relatively flat overallpopulation. Gains in labor force participation amongst some groups like women have been offset bylosses in other segments. This trend is projected to continue in the coming years, according to theIndiana Business Research Center.

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