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Affordable Housing in South Woodlawn: A Three-Decade Presence Amidst 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
South Woodlawn, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, has a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory consisting of one project with 16 low-income units. This inventory represents approximately 2.4% of the neighborhood's estimated 657 housing units, based on the 2022 population of 1,716.
The LIHTC program has invested $10,945 in tax credits for affordable housing in South Woodlawn, averaging about $684 per unit. The single LIHTC project, East Plaza Senior Living Apts, was completed in 1990, indicating a three-decade presence of affordable housing in the neighborhood. All 16 units are two-bedroom apartments, suggesting accommodation for small families or couples.
South Woodlawn has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. The population decreased from 2,945 in 2015 to 1,716 in 2022, a decline of about 41.7%. Despite this population decrease, the median income has shown overall growth, rising from $18,495 in 2015 to $21,983 in 2022.
Racial demographics have remained relatively stable, with the Black population consistently representing the majority. The Black population percentage increased from 79% in 2015 to 85% in 2022, while the Hispanic population decreased from 9% to 0% during the same period.
The absence of new LIHTC projects in the last decade could be attributed to the declining population, potentially reducing demand for additional affordable housing units. However, the rising median income might indicate a changing economic landscape in the neighborhood, potentially affecting future affordable housing needs.
South Woodlawn's LIHTC funded affordable housing inventory, while small, has been a consistent presence for over 30 years. The neighborhood has experienced significant population decline and slight income growth over the past decade, which may have influenced the lack of new LIHTC developments. Ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs in South Woodlawn will be crucial for future planning and development decisions.
