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Affordable Housing in St. Paul's Midway: A Three-Decade LIHTC Journey
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 Midway neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The neighborhood contains 227 total units in LIHTC funded projects, all of which are designated as low-income units. This demonstrates a commitment to providing affordable housing options for residents.
Based on the 2022 population of 12,180 and using the national average household size of 2.61, there are approximately 4,667 housing units in the neighborhood. The 227 LIHTC funded affordable units represent about 4.9% of the estimated housing inventory, indicating that LIHTC projects contribute a notable portion to the neighborhood's affordable housing stock.
The LIHTC program has invested in the Midway neighborhood, with project tax credits totaling $2,500,799. This translates to an average federal funding of approximately $11,017 per unit, showing financial support for affordable housing development in the area.
Affordable housing has been a feature of the Midway neighborhood, with projects spanning from 1990 to 2019. The first LIHTC project, Hamline Park Townhomes, was completed in 1990, while the most recent addition, Thomas Avenue Flats, was finished in 2019. This 29-year span demonstrates a sustained effort to provide affordable housing options.
The 2010s saw growth in LIHTC funded affordable housing, with four out of the five projects completed during this decade. Notable projects include Hamline Station East (2015), Hamline Station West (2016), and Prior Crossing (2016).
The LIHTC funded housing stock in Midway offers a range of unit types. Out of the 227 total units, there are 59 efficiencies, 47 one-bedroom units, 76 two-bedroom units, 43 three-bedroom units, and 2 four-bedroom units. This variety caters to different household sizes and needs within the low-income population.
Over the past decade, the Midway neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts. The population has remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 12,762 in 2020 to 12,180 in 2022. Median income has shown an upward trend, rising from $51,157 in 2013 to $65,769 in 2022, which may indicate a growing need for affordable housing options to maintain economic diversity.
Racial demographics have also changed. The white population percentage decreased from 74% in 2013 to 72% in 2022, while the Asian population grew from 3% to 3%, and the Black population decreased from 12% to 10%. The Hispanic population increased from 6% to 7%. These changes suggest a gradually diversifying neighborhood, potentially increasing the importance of affordable housing options for various demographic groups.
The Midway neighborhood in St. Paul has demonstrated a commitment to affordable housing through LIHTC funded projects. With 227 low-income units representing about 4.9% of the estimated housing inventory, these projects play a role in the neighborhood's housing landscape. The diverse unit types and development over nearly three decades reflect efforts to meet varied housing needs. As the area continues to experience demographic changes and income growth, the presence of LIHTC funded affordable housing remains important for maintaining a diverse and inclusive community.
