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Affordable Housing in Ellenwand: LIHTC Impact on Topeka Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
The Ellenwand neighborhood in Topeka, Kansas, has a significant presence of affordable housing funded through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The neighborhood contains 199 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 196 of these designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 4,317 and an estimated 1,654 housing units in the neighborhood, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises approximately 12% of the neighborhood's estimated housing inventory.
The LIHTC program has invested $421,355 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Ellenwand. This equates to an average federal funding of about $2,117 per unit. The neighborhood's LIHTC-funded housing stock primarily consists of one-bedroom units (193) with a small number of two-bedroom units (6). This unit mix indicates a focus on housing for singles or small families.
The single LIHTC project in the neighborhood, Luther Place 1 & 2, was completed in 2004. This project has been providing affordable housing options in Ellenwand for nearly two decades, demonstrating a long-term commitment to affordable housing in the area.
Over the past decade, Ellenwand has experienced demographic shifts. The population decreased from 5,156 in 2017 to 4,317 in 2022, a decline of about 16%. Despite this population decrease, the median income has shown fluctuation, increasing from $43,479 in 2017 to $47,106 in 2022, representing an 8.3% increase.
The racial composition of the neighborhood has also changed. The white population decreased from 82% in 2017 to 68% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 7% to 16% during the same period. The black population also saw a slight increase from 4% to 6%. These demographic changes may indicate evolving housing needs in the neighborhood.
The Ellenwand neighborhood in Topeka has a significant LIHTC-funded affordable housing presence, with one project providing nearly 200 units, primarily one-bedroom apartments. This accounts for about 12% of the estimated housing inventory, approaching the target range for a well-balanced community. The neighborhood has experienced demographic changes in recent years, including a decreasing population, slightly increasing median income, and growing diversity. These factors may influence future affordable housing needs and development in the area.
