Loading Content...
Loading Content...
Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
West Central, a neighborhood in Springfield, Missouri, had a population of 6,136 in 2022. The area contains 108 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing units, all designated as low-income. These units represent approximately 4.59% of the neighborhood's estimated 2,351 housing units.
The LIHTC program has allocated $449,058 in tax credits to affordable housing projects in West Central. This equates to an average federal funding of $4,158 per unit. LIHTC-funded affordable housing projects in the area span from 1996 to 2009, indicating a 13-year period of affordable housing development.
The 2000s witnessed the most significant affordable housing development in West Central, with the completion of Nu Elm Apts in 2009. This project added 72 units to the affordable housing inventory, comprising 24 one-bedroom and 48 two-bedroom units. The earlier project, Chaparrel Apts, completed in 1996, contributed 36 units, including 7 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom units.
In total, LIHTC-funded projects in West Central provide 31 one-bedroom units and 77 two-bedroom units, accommodating various low-income household sizes.
West Central's population increased from 5,748 in 2017 to 6,136 in 2022. The median income in the neighborhood rose from $19,647 in 2017 to $25,662 in 2022, indicating gradual economic improvement for residents.
The racial composition of West Central remained predominantly white, with slight changes. The white population decreased from 75% in 2017 to 76% in 2022. The Black population decreased from 12% to 4%, while the Hispanic population increased from 6% to 9%. Residents identifying as two or more races increased from 1% to 7% during this period.
Despite the absence of new LIHTC projects in the last decade, demographic trends suggest a continued need for affordable housing. The rising median income may not have kept pace with housing costs, potentially maintaining demand for affordable options.
West Central's affordable housing landscape comprises two LIHTC-funded projects providing 108 low-income units, primarily one and two-bedroom apartments. These projects, developed between 1996 and 2009, represent about 4.59% of the estimated housing stock. The neighborhood has experienced population growth and income increases. Changing racial demographics and persistent income disparities suggest an ongoing need for affordable housing options in West Central, despite improvements in median income.