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Affordable Housing in Arlington-West End: LIHTC Projects and Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Arlington-West End, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, contains 64 units of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. These units represent approximately 4.56% of the estimated 1,403 housing units in the neighborhood, based on the 2022 population of 3,662 and the national average household size. The LIHTC program has contributed to affordable housing in Arlington-West End since 1989, with all four LIHTC projects in the neighborhood completed that year.
The LIHTC projects in Arlington-West End include 1028 Tuscaloosa Ave Sw, 1228 Tuscaloosa Ave Sw, 1420 Tuscaloosa Ave Sw, and 1544 Tuscaloosa Ave Sw. The 1980s represent the decade with the most affordable housing projects completed in this neighborhood. Specific information about unit types is not available for these LIHTC projects, and none have a specified target population.
Arlington-West End has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. The population decreased from 5,438 in 2013 to 3,662 in 2022, a decline of 32.7%. Despite this population decrease, the median income increased from $17,686 in 2013 to $22,647 in 2022, a rise of approximately 28%. The racial composition of the neighborhood has also shifted, with the Black population decreasing from 98% in 2013 to 83% in 2022, while the White population increased from 1% to 9%, and the Hispanic population grew from 0% to 6%.
The demographic changes in Arlington-West End, particularly the decreasing population and increasing median income, may explain why no new LIHTC projects have been developed in the neighborhood since 1989. The existing affordable housing stock may be sufficient to meet current needs, given the smaller population and improved economic conditions.
Arlington-West End's affordable housing landscape is characterized by LIHTC projects completed in 1989, providing 64 low-income units. These units represent about 4.56% of the estimated housing inventory. While this falls short of the target percentage for affordable housing stock, other affordable housing programs may be present in the neighborhood.
The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade, including a decreasing population, rising median income, and shifts in racial composition. These changes may have influenced the lack of new LIHTC developments since 1989. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be crucial to ensure that low-income residents have access to quality housing options.
