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Affordable Housing Trends in West Downtown Boise: LIHTC Impact and Population 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
West Downtown in Boise City, Idaho, exhibits a growing population and a distinct affordable housing landscape. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has funded one project in this area, providing 41 affordable housing units, including 4 designated low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 4,559 and an estimated 1,747 housing units, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing constitutes approximately 2.3% of the neighborhood's estimated housing inventory.
The neighborhood's LIHTC project, New Path Community Housing, received $583,363 in tax credits, equating to an average federal funding of approximately $14,228 per unit. Completed in 2018, New Path Community Housing marks the inception of LIHTC-funded affordable housing in West Downtown.
The project's unit distribution comprises 36 efficiencies, 4 one-bedroom units, and 1 two-bedroom unit. This composition indicates a focus on accommodating single individuals or small households.
Over the past decade, West Downtown has experienced substantial population growth, increasing from 2,915 residents in 2013 to 4,559 in 2022. This 56% population increase may indicate a growing demand for affordable housing options.
Median income in the neighborhood has also risen, from $24,147 in 2013 to $34,951 in 2022, representing a 45% increase. Despite this growth, the median income remains relatively low, suggesting a continued need for affordable housing options.
Racial demographics have remained relatively stable, with the white population consistently representing the majority (around 80%). However, there has been a slight increase in diversity, with the Hispanic population growing from 11% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, and the Asian population increasing from 1% to 2% during the same period.
West Downtown Boise has seen the introduction of LIHTC-funded affordable housing in recent years, coinciding with significant population growth and moderate income increases. While the current LIHTC inventory represents a small portion of the estimated housing stock, it provides an important foundation for addressing affordable housing needs in the neighborhood. The demographic trends suggest a potential ongoing demand for affordable housing options as the area continues to develop and diversify.
