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Affordable Housing in South Browning: LIHTC's Impact on a Native American Community
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
South Browning, Montana, is a small community with a population of 1,692 as of 2022. The city's demographic profile is primarily composed of Native American residents. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has funded one affordable housing project in South Browning, providing 3 low-income units. Based on the estimated housing inventory of approximately 648 units, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing covers about 0.46% of the city's housing stock.
South Browning has received $677,500 in project tax credits through the LIHTC program. With one project funded, this translates to an average federal funding of $677,500 per project and $225,833 per unit. The city holds 0.37% of the total state LIHTC funding, indicating a relatively small share of Montana's overall affordable housing investments.
The single LIHTC-funded project in South Browning, "Blackfeet Homes VI," was completed in 2019. This project represents the entirety of the city's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory. The housing units are distributed as two three-bedroom units and one four-bedroom unit, suggesting a focus on accommodating larger families.
Over the past decade, South Browning's population has fluctuated, with a general downward trend from 2,173 in 2014 to 1,692 in 2022. The median income has also changed, decreasing from $26,641 in 2014 to $25,382 in 2022. These economic shifts may have influenced the need for affordable housing in the community.
The racial composition of South Browning has remained relatively stable, with Native Americans consistently comprising over 90% of the population. In 2022, 94% of residents identified as Native American, with small percentages of white (2%) and Hispanic (2%) residents. This demographic profile underscores the importance of culturally sensitive housing solutions for the predominantly Native American community.
South Browning's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory, while limited to one project, provides housing options for low-income residents. The project's focus on larger units aligns with the needs of families in the community. The city's demographic trends, including population fluctuations and income changes, highlight the ongoing importance of affordable housing initiatives. As South Browning continues to evolve, monitoring these trends will be crucial for addressing future affordable housing needs effectively.
