June 10, 2021 at 1:12 p.m.
Survey says 80 percent of cabin owners in Cass Co. intend to move there
The counties include Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Aitkin, Wadena, Todd, Morrison and Benton.
About 47 percent of Cass County residences are second homes for the owners, he said. Data by individual county will be available later this year, he added.
Extension mailed 1,200 surveys to second homeowners in the region and received 573 responses (48 percent return).
The majority of the respondents were age 50 to 70, with the next highest number being over age 70, followed by the 40 to 49 age group. The fewest owners of a second home were under age 40.
The majority (about two-thirds) also hold a bachelor degree or a graduate degree, followed by those with some college, a high school diploma or an associate degree. Very few without a high school diploma own a second home.
Over 50 percent are employed, with most of the rest being retired. Fifty-three percent have owned, operated or had significant management of a business. Of those, 25 percent said they would consider opening a new business in the county where their second home is located.
Close to 60 percent have incomes over $100,000. The next highest group has $40,000 to $59,000 income, followed by those earning $70,000 to $99,000. Few earn less than $39,000.
When asked to rate local amenities and services, they rated lake and stream water quality highest followed by parks and recreation, trails and waste management. Getting the lowest rating was Internet service.
About 25 percent said they telecommute from their second home property. Of those, 40 percent reported service good, 35 percent said it was okay and 25 percent rated it poor.
Thirty-four percent have owned their second home over 20 years. About 31 percent said 11 to 20 years, 17 percent said six to 10 years and 18 percent said they bought in the last five years.
The highest number bought their property because it was by a lake, followed by because it was peaceful and had scenic beauty or good water quality. Family or friend ties in the area were about half as important a factor. Twenty-three percent said they plan to retire here.
Seventy-seven percent are owner occupied. Another 20 percent are shared ownership. Four percent are owner occupied and shared. Three percent said "other." Only one percent was for part-time rental.
Second homeowners said they use their second home 93 days a year on average, with peak months, of course, in June through August.
When asked about their future plans for the second home, 56 percent said they plan to permanently move to the house in this region, with the highest number saying in six to 10 years or one to five years. For Cass County, Bussiere said it is 80 percent who plan to move here.
Second homeowners spend the most near the second home for groceries and liquor, followed by gas/auto repairs and for home maintenance.
About 50 percent said they would not like to see more commercial development and said they think additional residential development threatens the quality of life.
They see the single most important improvement, challenge and opportunity for the next 20 years all to be environmental and water quality.
While second homeowners report feeling a strong attachment to their own property, only about 50 percent feel that same strong attachment to the community where that home is located.
Many report being active in their home community, including holding public office, but few hold leadership positions, volunteer or get involved in community organizations where their second home is located. While some make donations, it is less than the donations they make at home.
They typically rely on word of mouth, newspapers and radio for news and events when at their second home, but their preference would be to get information from newspapers and Internet.
Few said they look to or are interested in looking to a visitor guide or local chamber of commerce for news and events.
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