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Affordable Housing in Ortega Hills: LIHTC's Impact on Jacksonville's Evolving 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
Ortega Hills, a neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The area contains 632 units in LIHTC funded projects, with 235 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 9,505 and using the national average household size, the estimated housing inventory is approximately 3,642 units. LIHTC funded affordable housing represents about 17.4% of this estimated inventory, aligning with targets for a balanced community.
The LIHTC program has made substantial investments in Ortega Hills. One project received $363,924 in tax credits, averaging approximately $576 per unit when divided by the total LIHTC funded units (632). Affordable housing has been a consistent feature of Ortega Hills from 1993 to 2005. The first LIHTC project, Collins Place Apartments, was completed in 1993, and the most recent, Meetinghouse At Collins Cove, in 2005. This 12-year span demonstrates a sustained commitment to affordable housing in the neighborhood.
The 2000s were the most active period for affordable housing development, with two projects completed: Courtney Manor in 2000 and Meetinghouse At Collins Cove in 2005. The neighborhood offers diverse affordable housing options, including 80 one-bedroom units, 200 two-bedroom units, 152 three-bedroom units, and 16 four-bedroom units. This variety accommodates different household sizes and needs within the low-income community.
Ortega Hills has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade. The population increased from 8,436 in 2015 to 9,505 in 2022, indicating growing housing demand. Median income fluctuated, peaking at $53,107 in 2018 before declining to $48,064 in 2022, suggesting a persistent need for affordable housing options.
Racial demographics have also changed. The Black population increased from 29% in 2015 to 38% in 2022, while the White population decreased from 50% to 40% during the same period. The Asian population grew from 4% to 9%. These changes underscore the importance of maintaining a diverse and inclusive affordable housing stock to serve evolving community needs.
Ortega Hills demonstrates a significant commitment to affordable housing through its LIHTC funded projects. The neighborhood's affordable housing stock, covering about 17.4% of the estimated housing inventory, aligns with recommended targets for a balanced community. The diverse unit types available cater to various household sizes and needs. While no new LIHTC projects have been completed since 2005, the demographic trends, including population growth and income fluctuations, suggest an ongoing need for affordable housing options. The changing racial composition of the neighborhood further emphasizes the importance of maintaining and potentially expanding affordable housing to ensure equitable access for all community members.
