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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Downtown Columbus, Ohio, has experienced significant growth and development in recent years. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has contributed to providing affordable housing options in this area. The neighborhood currently has 772 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 376 designated as low-income units. Based on the estimated housing inventory of 3,161 units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises approximately 24.4% of the neighborhood's housing stock, indicating a substantial contribution to affordable housing needs.
The LIHTC program has invested $963,576 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Downtown Columbus. This equates to an average federal funding of about $1,248 per unit across all LIHTC-funded projects in the neighborhood. The first LIHTC projects in the area, National Terminal Apartments and LaSalle Apartments, were both completed in 1997. The most recent project, Parkview Apartments, was finished in 2008. This indicates that affordable housing has been a consistent presence in Downtown Columbus for over a decade.
The 2000s saw the most affordable housing development activity, with three projects completed during this period: 1850 Superior Building (2005), Carter Senior Manor (2006), and Parkview Apartments (2008). The LIHTC-funded housing stock in Downtown Columbus consists of a mix of unit types, including 71 efficiencies, 490 one-bedroom units, and 175 two-bedroom units. This distribution suggests a focus on accommodating smaller households and individuals.
Over the past decade, Downtown Columbus has experienced significant population growth, increasing from 5,878 residents in 2015 to 8,250 in 2022. This 40% population increase has been accompanied by a substantial rise in median income, from $40,576 in 2015 to $65,719 in 2022, representing a 62% increase. The racial composition of the neighborhood has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase in diversity. The white population has maintained a majority, ranging from 67% to 72% over the past decade. There has been a notable increase in the Asian population, growing from 2% in 2015 to 9% in 2022, while the Black population has decreased from 16% to 10% during the same period.
Despite the lack of new LIHTC projects since 2008, the demographic trends suggest a growing need for affordable housing. The rapid population growth and significant increase in median income may be putting pressure on housing affordability, potentially necessitating additional affordable housing options in the future.
Downtown Columbus has a substantial inventory of LIHTC-funded affordable housing, covering nearly a quarter of the estimated housing stock. The neighborhood has benefited from consistent affordable housing development from 1997 to 2008, with a mix of unit types catering to various household sizes. While there have not been new LIHTC projects in recent years, the area has experienced significant population growth and income increases. These demographic shifts may indicate a growing need for affordable housing options to maintain a diverse and inclusive community in Downtown Columbus.