How many is 96,000? Key housing number cited by Md. Gov. Moore is hard to explain
WTOP••business
Key Points:
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore has highlighted a 96,000-unit housing shortage in the state, based on a complex measure of "latent demand" rather than the number of unhoused individuals, according to the nonprofit Up for Growth.
- The 2025 Housing Underproduction Report shows Maryland's housing shortage slightly decreased from 96,000 units in 2023 to 94,000 units, reflecting a combination of increased supply and decreased demand in some urban areas like Baltimore.
- Despite this modest improvement, Maryland's housing shortage remains severe, with current production rates indicating it could take 50 years to close the gap, prompting the state to set new housing production targets.
- Housing affordability remains a top concern for Maryland residents, with one in three families
