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Affordable Housing in Clairton: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Impact on a Former Industrial Hub
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Clairton, Pennsylvania, a city with an industrial background, has experienced changes in its affordable housing sector through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The city currently maintains 44 LIHTC-funded affordable housing units, all classified as low-income. This inventory constitutes approximately 1.86% of the estimated 2,369 housing units in Clairton, based on the 2022 population and national average household size.
The LIHTC program has allocated $761,834 in tax credits for affordable housing in Clairton. With one funded project, this equates to an average federal funding of $761,834 per project and $17,314 per unit. Clairton's LIHTC funding represents 0.13% of the total state funding allocated to Pennsylvania.
The city's single LIHTC project, named "Clairton," was completed in 2004, marking nearly two decades of affordable housing presence in the community. This project comprises 26 two-bedroom units and 18 three-bedroom units, accommodating various family sizes and needs.
Demographic trend analysis over the past decade reveals patterns related to the LIHTC-funded housing. Clairton's population has consistently decreased, from 6,744 in 2015 to 6,182 in 2022. Despite this decline, the median income has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $31,516 in 2015 to $36,910 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between.
The racial composition of Clairton has remained relatively constant over the past decade, with a slight increase in the Black population and a minor decrease in the White population. As of 2022, the city's population was approximately 40% Black, 52% White, and 6% Hispanic, with small percentages of other racial groups.
No new LIHTC projects have been developed in Clairton over the last decade, but the existing affordable housing continues to serve the community. The stable racial demographics and increasing median income suggest that the current affordable housing stock may be meeting some of the city's needs, although other housing programs may also contribute to the affordable housing inventory.
In conclusion, Clairton's LIHTC-funded affordable housing, while limited in size, represents a significant investment in the community. The single project provides 44 units of affordable housing, focusing on two and three-bedroom units suitable for families. As the city continues to evolve demographically and economically, ongoing evaluation of affordable housing needs will be essential to ensure that all residents have access to suitable housing options.
