The Straw/Smyth neighborhood has experienced demographic changes over the past decade. The population increased slightly from 11,074 in 2014 to 11,649 in 2022. Median income fluctuated, rising from $75,523 in 2014 to $74,529 in 2022, with variations in between.

The racial composition of the neighborhood has evolved. The white population decreased from 86% in 2014 to 82% in 2022, while there were slight increases in Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races grew from 1% to 4% during this period.

These demographic shifts, particularly the slight population increase and racial diversification, may indicate a growing need for diverse housing options, including affordable housing. However, the relatively stable median income might explain the lack of new LIHTC projects in recent years.

The Straw/Smyth neighborhood in Manchester, New Hampshire, maintains a small but established affordable housing presence through the LIHTC program. With 49 low-income units, representing about 1.1% of the estimated housing inventory, the neighborhood has sustained a consistent, though limited, affordable housing stock since the early 1990s. The housing units are primarily one-bedroom, suggesting a focus on smaller households. While the neighborhood has experienced some demographic changes in the past decade, including slight population growth and increased racial diversity, the absence of recent LIHTC projects may be attributed to the relatively stable median income. This analysis provides an overview of the affordable housing landscape in Straw/Smyth, highlighting the long-standing presence of LIHTC funded housing and the potential for future considerations in light of evolving demographics.