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Affordable Housing in Rolla, Kansas: Impact of LIHTC on a Small City's Housing Landscape
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Rolla, a small city in Kansas with a population of 310 in 2022, has a unique affordable housing landscape shaped by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory in Rolla consists of 10 total units, including 1 designated low-income unit. Based on the estimated housing inventory of approximately 119 units, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing covers about 8.4% of the city's housing stock.
Rolla has received $19,722 in project tax credits through the LIHTC program. With one approximate project, this translates to an average federal funding of $19,722 per project and $1,972 per unit. The city holds 0.01% of the total state LIHTC funding, indicating a relatively small portion of Kansas's overall affordable housing investment.
The sole LIHTC project in Rolla, Rolla Plaza Apartments, was completed in 2000, marking over two decades of affordable housing presence in the city. This project comprises 7 one-bedroom units and 3 two-bedroom units, providing a mix of housing options for residents.
Over the past decade, Rolla's population has shown some fluctuation, growing from 260 in 2017 to 310 in 2022. The median income has also varied, rising from $46,110 in 2017 to $51,285 in 2022. The city has experienced a significant shift in racial demographics, with the Hispanic population increasing from 14% in 2017 to 35% in 2022, while the white population decreased from 83% to 57% during the same period.
Despite these demographic changes, no new LIHTC projects have been developed in Rolla since 2000. This could be due to various factors, including the small population size and potential changes in housing needs or funding priorities.
Rolla's affordable housing landscape is characterized by a single LIHTC project completed in 2000, providing 10 units of affordable housing. While this project covers a small portion of the city's estimated housing stock, it has been a consistent presence in the community for over two decades. The city has experienced notable demographic shifts in recent years, particularly in its racial composition and median income. These changes, along with the city's small size, may influence future affordable housing needs and development strategies in Rolla.
