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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Rising-West Princeton, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, presents a distinct affordable housing landscape. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has funded 26 affordable housing units in this area, all designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 615 and the national average household size of 2.61, the estimated housing inventory for the neighborhood is approximately 236 units. The LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises about 11% of the estimated housing inventory in Rising-West Princeton.
The LIHTC program has invested $79,884 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Rising-West Princeton. This equates to an average federal funding of approximately $3,072 per unit. The neighborhood has two LIHTC-funded projects: Rickwood Apts and Janmar Apts, both completed in 1993. This indicates that affordable housing has been present in the neighborhood for nearly three decades.
The 1990s saw the most affordable housing development in Rising-West Princeton, with both projects being completed in 1993. Rickwood Apts is the larger of the two, providing 24 low-income units, while Janmar Apts offers 2 units. All 26 units in these projects are two-bedroom apartments, suggesting a focus on accommodating small families or individuals requiring more space.
Over the past decade, Rising-West Princeton has experienced significant demographic changes. The population has decreased from 1,068 in 2013 to 615 in 2022, a decline of about 42%. Despite this population decrease, the median income has increased from $22,090 in 2013 to $29,438 in 2022, representing a 33% rise.
The racial composition of the neighborhood has also shifted. In 2013, the population was 96% Black and 4% Hispanic. By 2022, the Black population decreased to 80%, while the Hispanic population increased to 16%. The neighborhood also saw a small increase in residents identifying as two or more races, reaching 4% in 2022.
These demographic changes, particularly the declining population and increasing median income, may explain why no new LIHTC projects have been developed in the neighborhood since 1993. The rising income levels could indicate a reduced need for additional affordable housing units in recent years.
Rising-West Princeton's affordable housing landscape is characterized by two LIHTC projects completed in 1993, providing 26 two-bedroom units. These units account for about 11% of the estimated housing inventory. This falls short of the ideal 15-20% affordable housing stock, but it is important to note that other programs may contribute to the neighborhood's affordable housing inventory.
The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, including population decline, increased median income, and changes in racial composition. These factors may have influenced the lack of new LIHTC developments since 1993. As the community continues to evolve, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be crucial to ensure that Rising-West Princeton maintains a balanced and accessible housing market for all its residents.