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Affordable Housing in Waukee: LIHTC Program Impact Amidst Rapid Growth
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Waukee, Iowa has experienced significant growth in affordable housing through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The city currently has 355 affordable housing units, with 352 designated as low-income units. These LIHTC-funded units represent approximately 3.3% of Waukee's estimated 10,756 total housing units.
Waukee has received $6,581,580.79 in LIHTC funding for affordable housing projects. This funding has been distributed across approximately 10 projects, averaging $658,158 per project and $18,540 per unit. Waukee's share of 3.12% of Iowa's total LIHTC funding indicates its significant role in the state's affordable housing initiatives.
The city's involvement with LIHTC-funded housing began in 1993 with the Candleridge Apts Of Waukee project and continued through at least 2014 with the Alice Place development. This period of over two decades demonstrates Waukee's sustained commitment to affordable housing. The 2000s saw the most LIHTC project completions, including developments such as Windfield West Apts I (2001), Sugar Creek Apts (2002), and Windfield West Apts III (2005).
The LIHTC-funded housing in Waukee offers a range of unit types, including 119 one-bedroom, 89 two-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom, and 9 four-bedroom units. This variety addresses the needs of different household sizes within the low-income population.
Waukee's population has grown substantially, increasing from 18,819 in 2013 to 28,074 in 2022, a 49% increase. During this period, the median income rose from $93,935 to $105,414. Despite the overall affluence, a segment of the population still requires affordable housing.
The racial composition of Waukee has diversified over the past decade. The white population decreased from 91% in 2013 to 81% in 2022, while Asian, Black, and multiracial populations increased. This demographic shift may influence future affordable housing needs and designs to ensure inclusivity.
Waukee's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory represents a significant investment in addressing low-income housing needs, despite its modest proportion of the total housing stock. The city's share of state LIHTC funding and the diverse range of unit types indicate a considered approach to affordable housing development. As Waukee continues to grow and diversify, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be essential to maintain a balanced and inclusive community.
