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Affordable Housing in Liberty, Missouri: Three Decades of 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
Liberty, Missouri, a city near Kansas City, has developed a significant inventory of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The city's LIHTC program has produced 236 total units, with 191 designated as low-income units. This represents approximately 1.67% of the city's estimated 14,162 housing units.
Liberty has received $588,654 in project tax credits for affordable housing through the LIHTC program. This funding is distributed across approximately 8 projects, resulting in an average of $73,582 in federal funding per project, or $2,494 per unit. Liberty's LIHTC funding accounts for 0.17% of Missouri's total LIHTC allocation.
The development of LIHTC-funded affordable housing in Liberty spans over three decades. The earliest projects date back to 1988, with the most recent completed in 2018. The 1980s were particularly active, with three projects completed in 1988 alone: 112 E Franklin St, Villages Of Forest Hills I, and Jefferson Park Apts. The most recent addition, The Cottages At Bluebird Creek, was completed in 2018.
The LIHTC-funded housing in Liberty offers a variety of unit types. The inventory includes 5 efficiencies, 145 one-bedroom units, 46 two-bedroom units, and 3 three-bedroom units. This distribution suggests a focus on smaller households, potentially catering to seniors or single individuals.
One notable project, The Cottages At Bluebird Creek, targets individuals with disabilities. This project addresses the specific housing needs of this population, likely offering accessible design features and supportive services.
Liberty's population has grown steadily over the past decade, increasing from 33,464 in 2010 to 36,963 in 2022. The median income has also risen from $80,208 in 2013 to $87,396 in 2022. These demographic changes may influence the demand for affordable housing.
The racial composition of Liberty has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase in diversity. The white population decreased from 90% in 2013 to 84% in 2022, while other racial groups experienced small increases. This gradual diversification may impact future affordable housing needs and project planning.
Liberty's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory, while modest compared to the overall housing stock, plays an important role in providing low-income housing options. The city has consistently developed affordable housing over three decades, with a mix of unit types serving various household sizes. The recent focus on housing for individuals with disabilities demonstrates recognition of diverse housing needs within the community. As Liberty continues to grow and diversify, ongoing assessment and potential expansion of affordable housing options may be necessary to meet evolving community needs.
