SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The 2009 NWT Community Survey has shown much work needs to be done to improve housing.

In 2009, 19 per cent of dwellings in the NWT were considered to be in core need, compared to 16 per cent in 2004 and 20 per cent in 2000.

If a dwelling does not meet one or more of three conditions - suitability, adequacy or affordability - it is considered to have a housing problem. If a household also has a total income below the core need income threshold as determined by the NWT Housing Corporation, it is considered to be in core need.

Stephen Pretty, the corporation's manager of communications, said the survey results show there is much work still to be done to improve housing in the NWT.

"That doesn't come as a surprise to the corporation," he said.

However, Pretty said the core need may have increased between 2004 and 2009 partly because income thresholds were raised.

Affordable housing costs less than 30 per cent of household income where shelter costs include utilities, water, heat, insurance, property taxes, land lease costs and rent or mortgage payments.

"Potentially, it's not about housing, it's how much they're paying for it," Pretty said.

However, he said, aside from affordability, the condition of some housing is declining because of age and the harsh Northern climate.

"We've got a lot of work to do yet," he said.

Pretty noted the report revealed core need has gone down in eight communities.

Suitability is defined as having the appropriate number of bedrooms for the characteristics and number of occupants.

Adequate housing must have running water, an indoor toilet, bathing and washing facilities, and must not require major repairs.