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Affordable Housing Trends in St. Louis' West End: A Three-Decade LIHTC Analysis
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 West End neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, exhibits a significant presence of affordable housing through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The area contains 606 units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 532 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 6,214 and an estimated 2,381 housing units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises approximately 25.5% of the neighborhood's housing inventory.
The LIHTC program has invested $1,843,960 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in the West End, averaging about $3,043 per unit in federal funding. The neighborhood's affordable housing development spans nearly three decades, with the earliest LIHTC projects completed in 1989 and the most recent in 2018. The 1990s were particularly active, with six projects completed during this period.
The West End's LIHTC-funded housing stock offers diverse unit types, including 99 efficiencies, 127 one-bedroom units, 186 two-bedroom units, 76 three-bedroom units, and 11 four-bedroom units. This variety caters to different household sizes and needs within the low-income population. Recent projects, such as Village At Delmar Place (2015) and Nathaniel Rivers Place (2018), specifically target individuals with disabilities, likely incorporating design features and services to accommodate their unique needs.
Over the past decade, the West End has experienced demographic shifts. The population peaked in 2017 at 7,315 residents but declined to 6,214 in 2022. Despite this decrease, the median income has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $25,475 in 2013 to $34,531 in 2022, with some fluctuations.
The racial composition of the neighborhood has remained relatively stable, with a predominant Black population (79% in 2022) and a slight increase in diversity. The White population grew from 8% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, while the Asian population increased from 1% to 3% during the same period.
The completion of two LIHTC projects targeting individuals with disabilities in 2015 and 2018 coincides with the period of highest median income in the neighborhood, suggesting a possible correlation between improved economic conditions and the ability to address specific housing needs within the community.
The West End neighborhood in St. Louis demonstrates a robust affordable housing presence through the LIHTC program, with 25.5% of its estimated housing stock dedicated to low-income residents. The area has seen consistent development of affordable housing over nearly three decades, with a diverse mix of unit types to accommodate various household sizes. Recent projects have focused on serving individuals with disabilities, reflecting an evolving approach to meet specific community needs. While the population has declined slightly in recent years, the median income has generally trended upward, and the racial composition has remained stable with a slight increase in diversity. These demographic trends, coupled with the continued investment in affordable housing, suggest an ongoing commitment to maintaining accessible housing options in the West End neighborhood.
