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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
South Suburan, a neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The area contains 237 units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 221 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 2,962 and the national average household size, the neighborhood is estimated to have approximately 1,135 housing units. The LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents about 20.9% of the estimated housing inventory, aligning with the target percentage for a balanced community.
The neighborhood's LIHTC-funded affordable housing development occurred from 1996 to 2005. The initial project, Tamera Gardens I, was completed in 1996, while the most recent, Stephanie Villas Apts, was finished in 2005. This indicates a sustained effort to provide affordable housing options in the area. The early 2000s saw the most development activity, with three out of four projects completed during this period.
The LIHTC-funded projects in South Suburan offer diverse unit types. The inventory includes 1 efficiency unit, 35 one-bedroom units, 80 two-bedroom units, 75 three-bedroom units, and 8 four-bedroom units. This variety caters to different household sizes and needs within the low-income population.
Over the past decade, South Suburan has experienced significant demographic shifts. The population increased from 2,000 in 2014 to 2,962 in 2022, a 48% growth. Concurrently, the median income rose from $14,157 in 2014 to $27,572 in 2022, nearly doubling.
The racial composition of the neighborhood has changed dramatically. In 2014, the population was predominantly Black (52%) and White (25%). By 2022, the distribution shifted to a more diverse mix with Asian (32%), Black (32%), Hispanic (29%), and White (6%) residents. This increased diversity coincides with the period following the completion of the LIHTC projects, suggesting that affordable housing may have contributed to a more inclusive community.
South Suburan's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory plays a significant role in meeting the community's needs. The 237 total units, with 221 low-income units, represent about 20.9% of the estimated housing stock, aligning with recommended targets for affordable housing. The development of these projects from 1996 to 2005 demonstrates a consistent effort to provide affordable housing options.
The diverse unit types available cater to various household sizes, from efficiencies to four-bedroom apartments. This variety likely contributes to the neighborhood's ability to accommodate its growing and increasingly diverse population.
The correlation between the LIHTC projects and demographic changes over the past decade is noteworthy. The significant population growth, increased median income, and shift towards greater racial diversity all occurred after the completion of these affordable housing projects. While causation cannot be assumed, these trends suggest that the LIHTC-funded housing may have played a role in shaping the neighborhood's demographic evolution and economic improvement.