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Affordable Housing in Kuna, Idaho: A Decade of Growth and Stagnant LIHTC Development
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Kuna, Idaho, has a specific affordable housing landscape influenced by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The city's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory comprises 32 total units, with 31 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 38,722 and an estimated 14,836 housing units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents approximately 0.22% of the city's estimated housing inventory.
Kuna has received $209,375 in project tax credits through the LIHTC program. With one project, this equates to an average federal funding of $209,375 per project and $6,543 per unit. Kuna holds 0.26% of Idaho's total LIHTC funding, indicating a small portion of the state's affordable housing resources.
The city's LIHTC-funded affordable housing began in 2003 with the completion of the Valley Run project. This development has been a key component of Kuna's affordable housing inventory for nearly two decades. The Valley Run project offers a range of unit sizes, including 12 two-bedroom units, 14 three-bedroom units, and 6 four-bedroom units, accommodating various family sizes and needs.
From 2013 to 2022, Kuna experienced significant population growth, increasing from 29,375 to 38,722, a 31.8% increase. This population growth coincided with a rise in median income, from $69,549 in 2013 to $82,549 in 2022, representing an 18.7% increase.
The racial composition of Kuna has remained relatively stable. The white population decreased slightly from 87% in 2013 to 85% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased modestly from 7% to 9% during this period. The city has also experienced small increases in Asian, Black, and multiracial populations, indicating gradual diversification.
Despite population growth and income increases, there have been no new LIHTC projects in Kuna since 2003. This may be attributed to the rising median income, potentially reducing the perceived need for additional low-income housing. However, the population growth suggests a possible increasing demand for affordable housing options not currently met through the LIHTC program.
Kuna's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory, while limited, has been a constant presence in the city since 2003. The Valley Run project provides a mix of unit sizes, addressing diverse housing needs. However, the absence of new LIHTC projects in the context of significant population growth and rising incomes presents a complex picture of affordable housing needs in the city. While the existing LIHTC units contribute to the city's affordable housing stock, the changing demographics and growing population may necessitate further evaluation of affordable housing needs in Kuna.
