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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, contains 278 affordable housing units funded through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. These units constitute all of the LIHTC-funded low-income units in the area. Based on the 2022 population of 3,457 and the national average household size of 2.61 persons, the estimated housing inventory is 1,325 units. LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents approximately 21% of this estimated inventory, which is consistent with the target percentage for a balanced community.
The LIHTC program has allocated $497,246 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Downtown Knoxville. This equates to an average federal funding of $1,788 per unit. Summit Towers, the neighborhood's only LIHTC-funded project, was completed in 2004, providing nearly two decades of affordable housing in the area. This project consists entirely of one-bedroom units, indicating a focus on smaller households or individual residents.
Downtown Knoxville has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade. The population increased from 2,731 in 2013 to 3,457 in 2022, a growth of approximately 27%. This increase suggests rising housing demand in the area. Simultaneously, the median income more than doubled, from $24,397 in 2013 to $50,625 in 2022. This substantial increase in median income may indicate gentrification or an influx of higher-income residents.
The racial composition of the neighborhood has also changed notably. The white population increased from 72% in 2013 to 82% in 2022, while the black population decreased from 23% to 10% during the same period. The Asian population experienced a slight increase from 3% to 4%, and other racial groups remained relatively stable.
These demographic changes, particularly the significant increase in median income and shift in racial composition, may indicate changing housing needs in the neighborhood. The absence of new LIHTC projects in recent years could be attributed to the area's rising income levels, potentially reducing the perceived need for additional low-income housing.
Downtown Knoxville's affordable housing landscape is characterized by Summit Towers, which provides 278 one-bedroom units. This project contributes substantially to the neighborhood's affordable housing stock, accounting for about 21% of the estimated housing inventory. The area has experienced considerable demographic changes over the past decade, including population growth, a substantial increase in median income, and shifts in racial composition. These changes may influence the current and future needs for affordable housing in the neighborhood. While the existing LIHTC project continues to play a crucial role in providing affordable housing options, the evolving demographics of Downtown Knoxville may require ongoing assessment to ensure housing needs are met across all income levels.