Loading Content...
Loading Content...
Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
The Heart of Missoula neighborhood in Missoula, Montana, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. With 344 units in LIHTC-funded projects, including 227 designated low-income units, this neighborhood demonstrates a commitment to providing affordable housing options. LIHTC-funded affordable housing covers approximately 28.7% of the estimated 1,200 housing units in the neighborhood, indicating a substantial contribution to the area's affordable housing needs.
The LIHTC program has invested $1,805,577 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in this neighborhood. This translates to an average federal funding of about $5,249 per unit across all LIHTC-funded projects. The affordable housing inventory in the Heart of Missoula spans several decades, with the earliest recorded project, Palace Hotel, completed in 1995, and more recent developments like Palace Apts and River Rock Residences finished in 2013. This 18-year span demonstrates a sustained effort to provide affordable housing in the area.
The 2000s saw significant affordable housing development, with projects like Lenox Flats completed in 2000, followed by multiple projects in 2013. The variety of unit types in these projects caters to diverse housing needs, with 25 efficiencies, 127 one-bedroom units, 115 two-bedroom units, and 2 three-bedroom units. Some LIHTC projects in the neighborhood target specific populations. For instance, Creekside Apartments, completed in 1996, focuses on housing for individuals with disabilities. Lenox Flats, finished in 2000, is dedicated to providing housing for victims of domestic violence. These targeted projects address the unique needs of vulnerable populations within the community.
Over the past decade, the Heart of Missoula has experienced notable demographic shifts. The population has grown from 2,566 in 2017 to 3,132 in 2022, a 22% increase. This growth may have contributed to the need for additional affordable housing options. Median income has also risen, from $27,204 in 2017 to $31,809 in 2022, potentially affecting affordable housing eligibility and demand.
Racial demographics have shown some changes, with the white population decreasing from 91% in 2017 to 76% in 2022. Conversely, there have been increases in Hispanic (1% to 9%), Native American (1% to 5%), and multi-racial (3% to 6%) populations. These shifts may indicate a growing need for culturally diverse and inclusive affordable housing options.
The Heart of Missoula neighborhood has a substantial LIHTC-funded affordable housing presence, covering over a quarter of the estimated housing inventory. The area has seen consistent development of affordable housing projects over nearly two decades, with a diverse range of unit types and some projects targeting specific vulnerable populations. Recent demographic trends, including population growth and increased diversity, suggest an ongoing need for affordable housing options in the neighborhood. The LIHTC program has played a crucial role in addressing this need, providing significant financial support for affordable housing development in the Heart of Missoula.