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Affordable Housing in Irving Heights: Analysis of LIHTC Projects and Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Irving Heights, a neighborhood in Irving, Texas, contains 300 affordable housing units funded by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. These units, all designated as low-income, constitute a significant portion of the area's affordable housing inventory. Based on the 2022 population of 18,860 and the national average household size of 2.61, the estimated housing inventory for Irving Heights is approximately 7,226 units. The LIHTC-funded units represent about 4.15% of this estimated housing stock.
The development of LIHTC-funded affordable housing in Irving Heights spans nearly two decades. The first project, North Oak Apts, was completed in 1994, while the most recent, Britain Way, was finished in 2011. This indicates a sustained effort to provide affordable housing options in the neighborhood. The 1990s saw the initiation of affordable housing development with North Oak Apts contributing 132 units, while the 2010s marked further expansion with Britain Way adding 168 units.
The housing mix in these projects is diverse. North Oak Apts offers a variety of unit types, including 68 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedroom units. This diversity caters to different household sizes and needs within the low-income population. The consistent presence of these affordable housing options has likely played a role in shaping the neighborhood's demographics and housing landscape over time.
Over the past decade, Irving Heights has experienced demographic shifts that may correlate with its affordable housing landscape. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 18,500 and 19,200 residents. However, the median income has shown a significant increase, rising from $35,459 in 2013 to $49,244 in 2022, a 38.9% increase over nine years.
Racial demographics have also changed. The Hispanic population has grown from 72% in 2013 to 79% in 2022, while the white population has decreased from 20% to 12% during the same period. The Asian and Black populations have remained stable at around 3% each. These demographic changes, particularly the increase in median income, might explain why no new LIHTC projects have been developed since 2011. The rising income levels could indicate a reduced need for additional affordable housing units in recent years.
Irving Heights presents a case of established LIHTC-funded affordable housing that has been part of the neighborhood for nearly three decades. While the current inventory of 300 units represents a small portion of the estimated housing stock, it provides crucial low-income housing options. The neighborhood has experienced significant income growth and demographic shifts over the past decade, which may have influenced the lack of new LIHTC developments since 2011. Understanding these trends is crucial for future housing policy and development decisions in Irving Heights.
