I actually work for one of the Big Three in Detroit (remotely) and new grads can buy a home (not a big one) on an entry level salary with an engineering degree (about 70k starting) out there. A non engineering degree will get you started at about 55k, I suspect the same paradigm exists here. Non Engineering jobs will get you 40-50k here when you can find them, which is not going to buy you a house, but you could get into a condo or a cheaper house if you could swing the down. The problem is you have the non-degreed minimum wage workers wanting what the educated work force commands, which is not going to fly. As far as elderly people, I support more help in housing them. Even though my house is mostly paid off, I wonder if I am going to even be able to pay the property taxes in 20 years !