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Affordable Housing in Harrisburg: LIHTC Program's Three-Decade Impact on Pennsylvania's Capital
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital city, has a substantial inventory of affordable housing funded through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. This analysis examines the LIHTC-funded affordable housing in Harrisburg and its contribution to the city's housing needs.
Harrisburg, located along the Susquehanna River, has a population of approximately 50,055 residents as of 2022. The city's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory comprises 541 total units, with 480 designated as low-income units. Based on an estimated housing inventory of 19,178 units, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents about 2.8% of the city's total housing stock.
Harrisburg has received $5,379,525 in project tax credits through the LIHTC program. With approximately 61 projects, this equates to an average of $88,189 in federal funding per project. The average federal funding per unit is $9,944. Harrisburg holds 0.9% of the total state funding for LIHTC projects, indicating a significant portion of Pennsylvania's affordable housing efforts are concentrated in the capital city.
The LIHTC program has supported affordable housing in Harrisburg since 1987, with the Washington Square Apartments being one of the earliest projects. The most recent project, Paxton Place, was completed in 2019, demonstrating over three decades of affordable housing development in the city.
The 1980s saw the highest number of affordable housing projects completed, with numerous developments such as Ross Street Apartments, Curtin Street, and Fulton Street projects. This decade established a strong foundation for affordable housing in Harrisburg.
The LIHTC-funded housing in Harrisburg offers a diverse range of unit types. Of the 541 total units, there are 38 efficiencies, 137 one-bedroom units, 165 two-bedroom units, 112 three-bedroom units, and 19 four-bedroom units. This variety caters to different household sizes and needs within the low-income population.
A notable project is the Hub Veterans Housing, completed in 2018, which specifically targets veterans. This project addresses the unique housing needs of former service members, potentially offering supportive services alongside affordable housing.
Over the past decade, Harrisburg's population has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 49,328 in 2010 to 50,055 in 2022. The median income has improved, rising from $35,580 in 2013 to $41,900 in 2022, potentially indicating a gradual economic improvement for some residents.
Racial demographics have shifted slightly, with the Black population decreasing from 48% in 2013 to 42% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 18% to 25% during the same period. The White population has remained relatively stable at around 24-25%. These demographic changes may influence future affordable housing needs and targeted developments.
Harrisburg's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory, while significant, represents a small portion of the city's overall housing stock. The city has consistently developed affordable housing projects over three decades, with a concentration of development in the 1980s. The diverse range of unit types suggests an effort to accommodate various household sizes within the low-income population. Recent projects, such as those targeting veterans, indicate a focus on specialized housing needs. As Harrisburg's demographics continue to evolve, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be crucial to ensure adequate support for the city's low-income residents.
