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Affordable Housing in Deep Creek West-Dismal Swamp: 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
Deep Creek West-Dismal Swamp, a neighborhood in Chesapeake, Virginia, contains Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The neighborhood's LIHTC inventory comprises 120 units, all designated as low-income. Based on the 2022 population of 13,285 and the national average household size of 2.61, the estimated housing inventory is approximately 5,090 units. LIHTC funded affordable housing represents about 2.36% of the estimated housing inventory in the neighborhood.
The LIHTC program has invested $540,526 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Deep Creek West-Dismal Swamp. This equates to an average federal funding of $4,504 per unit. The neighborhood has two LIHTC funded projects: Mill Creek I and Mill Creek II. Mill Creek I was completed in 1996, while Mill Creek II was completed in 1997. This indicates that affordable housing has been present in the neighborhood for over 25 years.
The 1990s saw the most affordable housing development activity in Deep Creek West-Dismal Swamp, with both projects being completed during this decade. The LIHTC funded housing stock in the neighborhood consists of 72 two-bedroom units and 48 three-bedroom units, accommodating various family sizes.
Over the past decade, Deep Creek West-Dismal Swamp has experienced significant demographic changes. The population has grown from 10,219 in 2013 to 13,285 in 2022, indicating a steady increase in residents. Median income has fluctuated, rising from $73,181 in 2013 to $73,950 in 2022, with variations in between.
Racial distribution trends show a slight decrease in the white population from 67% in 2013 to 60% in 2022, while the Black population has remained relatively stable around 25%. The Hispanic population has increased from 3% to 10% during this period. The Asian population has also grown slightly from 1% to 2%.
Despite these demographic changes, no new LIHTC projects have been developed in the last decade. This could be attributed to various factors, including land availability, changes in local housing policies, or shifts in funding priorities.
Deep Creek West-Dismal Swamp's affordable housing landscape is characterized by two LIHTC projects developed in the late 1990s, providing 120 low-income units. These units constitute a small percentage of the neighborhood's estimated housing inventory. The area has experienced population growth and demographic shifts over the past decade, particularly with increases in Hispanic and Asian populations. While the LIHTC funded affordable housing stock has remained constant, the changing demographics and rising median income suggest evolving housing needs in the neighborhood. Future housing policies and development plans may need to consider these trends to ensure adequate affordable housing options for the community.
