MIBOR report shows public’s increasing disapproval of housing costs & property taxes

Financial pressures are reshaping how Central Indiana residents feel about their communities.

This is one of the key findings from the 2026 Community Preference Survey commissioned by the MIBOR REALTOR^® Association and the Indianapolis MPO. The findings reveal sharp increases in dissatisfaction with housing affordability, property taxes, and overall financial conditions – trends affecting residents across every demographic group.

Nearly half of surveyed residents say they are dissatisfied with the affordability of housing in their area, a jump of 15 points since 2022. Dissatisfaction with property and local taxes has risen even more steeply, increasing 19 points over the same period. This broad shift signals that affordability is a growing concern for households throughout the region.

The survey also shows a striking rise in intense dissatisfaction. The share of residents who are very dissatisfied with property taxes has doubled, climbing from 13 percent in 2022 to 27 percent in 2026. Intense dissatisfaction with housing affordability has also nearly doubled, rising from 15 percent to 26 percent.

“These shifts tell a clear story,” the report notes. “Residents across all ages, incomes, and counties are feeling the squeeze from rising housing costs and local taxes.”

Financial strain is also emerging as a major barrier to homeownership. When asked about obstacles to buying a home in Central Indiana, residents overwhelmingly pointed to cost pressures:

• Affording the down payment ranks as the top obstacle, with 86 percent calling it a huge or medium‑sized barrier.
• High property taxes or insurance costs follow at 82 percent.
• Personal debt, including credit card and auto loans, is close behind at 81 percent.
• Childcare costs or responsibilities also pose significant challenges, affecting 76 percent of prospective homeowners.

These findings illustrate how affordability concerns – spanning housing prices, taxes, and everyday household expenses – are increasingly shaping residents’ experiences and limiting pathways to homeownership.

The full survey report, including detailed findings across all community features and demographics, will be released Aug. 12.