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Affordable Housing Analysis in Zip Code 17522: A 20-Year LIHTC Project Legacy
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Zip code 17522, situated in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, contains a limited Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory. The area encompasses 11 total affordable units, all categorized as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 31,513 and utilizing the national average household size of 2.61, an estimated 12,074 housing units exist in this zip code. LIHTC funded affordable housing represents approximately 0.09% of the estimated housing inventory in the area.
The LIHTC projects in zip code 17522 have received $80,364 in project tax credits, averaging approximately $7,306 per unit in federal funding. This zip code accounts for 0.01% of the total state LIHTC funding, indicating a relatively small portion of Pennsylvania's affordable housing investments.
Ephrata Family Housing, completed in 1999, stands as the earliest recorded LIHTC project in this zip code. This project has provided affordable housing options in the area for over two decades. The 1990s marked the period of most significant affordable housing development activity in this zip code.
The LIHTC funded projects in zip code 17522 include 1 efficiency unit, 9 two-bedroom units, and 1 three-bedroom unit. This distribution suggests a focus on accommodating small families or individuals.
Over the past decade, the population in zip code 17522 has grown steadily, increasing from 30,191 in 2013 to 31,513 in 2022. The median income has also risen, from $60,259 in 2013 to $66,562 in 2022, indicating overall economic growth in the area.
Racial demographics in zip code 17522 have remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease in the white population from 92% in 2013 to 90% in 2022, and a small increase in the Hispanic population from 3% to 7% during the same period. This gradual diversification may influence future affordable housing needs.
Despite the population growth and income increase, no new LIHTC projects have been developed in zip code 17522 in the last decade. This could be attributed to various factors, including changes in local housing policies, shifts in funding priorities, or the perception that current affordable housing stock is sufficient for the area's needs.
Zip code 17522 has a small LIHTC funded affordable housing inventory, covering less than 1% of the estimated housing units. The area received modest LIHTC funding, with all projects completed before 2000. While the population and median income have grown over the past decade, there has been no recent LIHTC development activity. The existing affordable units primarily cater to small families or individuals. As the area continues to grow and diversify, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be crucial to ensure adequate housing options for all residents.
