COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Affordability and stability. They’re the main selling points for central Ohio in recruiting new residents.

But new data shows the Columbus area is struggling with soaring costs and low inventory.  

According to data from Zillow, the average home price in Columbus five years ago was $160,000. Now, it’s more than $246,000 — a 54% increase.

Prices are up nearly 3% from last year.

But that pricing problem is even more pronounced in the surrounding communities.

Last year, many local cities partnered to form the Regional Housing Coalition, which is targeting 200,000 new housing units to be built within the next decade.

Columbus has committed to building roughly half of those units.

NBC4 set out across the region to learn how different cities are aiming to solve a common problem.