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Affordable Housing in Ogontz: LIHTC's Impact on a Predominantly African American Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Ogontz, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, contains 268 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing units. These units comprise approximately 5% of the estimated 5,374 housing units in the neighborhood, based on the 2022 population of 14,025 and the national average household size of 2.61. The LIHTC program has invested $1,181,798 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Ogontz, averaging about $4,410 per unit.
The affordable housing projects in Ogontz span from 1987 to 2003. The earliest projects, Norfolk Manor and 2015 W Godfrey Ave, were completed in 1987, while the most recent addition, Suffolk Manor Apts, was finished in 2003. The 1980s saw the most activity in affordable housing development, with three out of four projects completed during this decade.
The affordable housing inventory in Ogontz primarily consists of one-bedroom units, with 119 such units available. There are also 22 two-bedroom units and 1 three-bedroom unit. This distribution indicates a focus on housing for smaller households or individuals.
Over the past decade, Ogontz has experienced some demographic shifts. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 13,500 and 15,500 residents. Median income has shown variability, ranging from about $32,000 to $38,000, with the most recent figure in 2022 at $37,458.
The racial composition of Ogontz has remained predominantly African American. The Black population increased slightly from 87% in 2013 to 92% in 2022. The White population decreased slightly from 4% to 3% during this period, while other racial groups have maintained relatively stable proportions.
Despite the absence of new LIHTC projects in the last decade, the consistent population levels and moderate income figures suggest an ongoing need for affordable housing in the area. The existing LIHTC projects continue to play a crucial role in meeting some of this demand.
Ogontz's affordable housing landscape is characterized by projects developed primarily in the late 1980s and early 2000s. The LIHTC program has provided significant funding, supporting 268 low-income units that make up about 5% of the estimated housing inventory. The demographic trends indicate a continued need for affordable housing options in this predominantly African American neighborhood. The focus on one-bedroom units suggests an emphasis on housing for smaller households, aligning with the area's population dynamics and housing needs.
