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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Echo Highlands, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, contains 144 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing units. These units constitute approximately 2.9% of the estimated 4,975 housing units in the area, based on a 2022 population of 12,986 and the national average household size of 2.61. The LIHTC projects in Echo Highlands have received $651,543 in tax credits, averaging about $4,525 per unit in federal funding.
The initial LIHTC project in Echo Highlands, Branch Apts At Carson Springs I, was completed in 1997, followed by The Branch At Carson Springs II in 1998. This indicates that affordable housing has been present in the neighborhood for over two decades. The 1990s marked the period of most significant affordable housing development activity in Echo Highlands.
The LIHTC-funded housing stock in Echo Highlands comprises 88 two-bedroom units and 56 three-bedroom units. This unit mix indicates a focus on accommodating families and households of varying sizes.
Over the past decade, Echo Highlands has experienced demographic changes. The population decreased from 14,500 in 2015 to 12,986 in 2022, a decline of approximately 10.4%. Despite this population decrease, the median income has remained relatively stable, ranging between $38,200 and $42,430 during this period.
The racial composition of Echo Highlands has remained predominantly Black, with the percentage ranging from 70% to 75% over the past decade. The White population has consistently represented about 18-19% of the neighborhood. The Hispanic population has shown a slight increase, from 3% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
These demographic trends, particularly the population decrease and stable income levels, suggest that the current LIHTC-funded housing stock may be meeting a portion of the neighborhood's affordable housing needs. However, the consistent racial composition and income levels indicate that there might still be a demand for affordable housing options in the area.
Echo Highlands has established a foundation of LIHTC-funded affordable housing, with 144 units developed in the late 1990s. While these units represent a small percentage of the estimated housing stock, they provide important housing options for low-income residents. The neighborhood has experienced a slight population decline over the past decade, but income levels and racial composition have remained relatively stable. This analysis underscores the ongoing role of LIHTC-funded housing in Echo Highlands and suggests that continued monitoring of demographic trends and housing needs will be crucial for future affordable housing planning in the neighborhood.