Housing markets have been affected by tax foreclosure, delinquent taxes and low owner occupancy.  A large number of homes are boarded.  Many of them get demolished, rather than returning to the market.   However, the number of boarded up properties has been declining – from 180 in 2002 to 79 in 2004.

Over the last 15 years vacant lots have doubled. 499 new vacant lots have been created.  68% of all vacant lots are owned by the City of Milwaukee .  For many years, there were no plans for these parcels. 

Only 176 units of new housing were constructed in the 15 years from 1970 through 1984 – almost all subsidized rental apartments.  From 1985 to 1994, no housing was built.  In the last 10 years, 149 units have been added, two-thirds within the last 5 years.  Most of these developments have been single family housing.   Although some of the oldest housing continues to be removed each year, the number of vacant lots is now beginning to decrease.