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Affordable Housing in Rochester's 19th Ward: LIHTC Impact and Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
The 19th Ward neighborhood in Rochester, New York, contains a significant number of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing units. The neighborhood has 119 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 118 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 23,107 and using the national average household size, an estimated 8,853 housing units exist in the neighborhood. LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents approximately 1.34% of the estimated housing inventory in the 19th Ward.
The LIHTC program has made substantial investments in the 19th Ward, with project tax credits totaling $265,190. This amount equates to an average federal funding of $2,228 per unit across all LIHTC-funded projects in the neighborhood. The affordable housing presence in the 19th Ward extends over nearly two decades, with the earliest recorded project, Unity Senior Housing, completed in 2004, and the most recent, Thurston And Chili Avenue, finished in 2020. The 2000s and 2010s experienced the highest level of affordable housing development activity in the neighborhood.
LIHTC-funded projects in the 19th Ward offer a range of unit types. The inventory includes 9 efficiencies, 60 one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units, and 4 three-bedroom units, accommodating various household sizes and needs. One notable project, Monica Place, completed in 2009, specifically targets individuals dealing with substance abuse issues, providing crucial support for a vulnerable population within the community.
The 19th Ward has undergone demographic changes over the past decade. The population has decreased slightly from 24,383 in 2013 to 23,107 in 2022. However, the median income has increased significantly, rising from $40,819 in 2013 to $52,445 in 2022, indicating improving economic conditions for residents.
Racial demographics have remained relatively stable. The Black population consistently represents the majority at approximately 60% of residents. The White population has maintained about a quarter of the neighborhood's demographic composition, while Hispanic representation has increased slightly from 6% to 9% between 2013 and 2022. The completion of the Thurston And Chili Avenue project in 2020 coincides with the period of rising median incomes, suggesting a continued need for affordable housing options despite overall economic improvements in the neighborhood.
The 19th Ward neighborhood in Rochester demonstrates an ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing through the LIHTC program. While LIHTC-funded units represent a small percentage of the estimated housing inventory, they serve an important role in addressing affordable housing needs. The neighborhood has seen a diverse range of projects completed over nearly two decades, including specialized housing for substance abuse recovery. Despite a slight population decrease, rising median incomes and stable racial demographics indicate a changing economic landscape that continues to necessitate affordable housing options for residents.
