Loading Content...
Loading Content...
Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
The South Westnedge neighborhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan, contains 72 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing units. These units, all designated as low-income, constitute approximately 2.24% of the estimated 3,218 housing units in the neighborhood, based on the 2022 population of 8,399 and the national average household size of 2.61.
The LIHTC program has invested $306,030 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in South Westnedge, averaging about $4,250 per unit. The neighborhood experienced a period of affordable housing development between 2004 and 2008, with three LIHTC projects completed during this time. The largest project, Duke Barrington Apts, added 48 units in 2008.
The LIHTC projects in South Westnedge primarily offer family-sized accommodations, with 60 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units. This inventory caters to various household sizes and needs within the low-income population of the area.
South Westnedge has experienced minor demographic shifts over the past decade. The population increased slightly from 8,340 in 2020 to 8,399 in 2022. Median income showed overall growth from $62,475 in 2020 to $62,323 in 2022, despite a small decrease in the most recent year.
Racial demographics have remained relatively stable, with the white population comprising 76% in 2022. The Black population stood at 12%, and those identifying as two or more races at 6% in 2022, indicating a slight increase in diversity.
No new LIHTC projects have been reported in the last decade. The stable population and gradual income growth suggest that the existing affordable housing stock may be meeting current needs. However, the slight increase in diversity could indicate a potential need for continued attention to affordable housing options to ensure equitable access for all community members.
The LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory in South Westnedge, while modest, provides an important resource for low-income residents. The neighborhood experienced significant affordable housing development in the mid-2000s, focusing on family-sized units. While demographic trends show stability in population and income, the gradual increase in diversity suggests that ongoing attention to affordable housing needs may be beneficial. The LIHTC program's investment in the area has established a foundation for affordable housing, contributing to the neighborhood's overall housing landscape.