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Central Harlem: LIHTC-Funded Affordable Housing and Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Central Harlem, a neighborhood in Manhattan, New York, has a significant Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory. The neighborhood contains 11,079 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 8,394 designated as low-income units. This affordable housing stock addresses the community's housing needs.
Based on the 2022 population estimate of 80,884 and the national average household size, Central Harlem has approximately 30,990 housing units. LIHTC-funded affordable housing units comprise about 35.7% of the estimated housing inventory, indicating a substantial presence of affordable housing in the area.
The LIHTC program has invested significantly in Central Harlem, with project tax credits totaling $61,081,884. This equates to an average federal funding of approximately $5,513 per unit in LIHTC-funded projects. Affordable housing has been present in Central Harlem since 1990, with the most recent project, WHGA Dorie Miller Apartments, completed in 2017.
The 2010s experienced significant affordable housing activity, with projects such as The Balton LLC (2011), Bethel Manor (2012), and St Nicholas Park Apts (2013). This decade marked a period of sustained investment in affordable housing for the community.
LIHTC-funded housing in Central Harlem offers diverse unit types, including 816 efficiencies, 2,544 one-bedroom units, 3,337 two-bedroom units, 1,399 three-bedroom units, and 187 four-bedroom units. This variety caters to different household sizes and needs. A notable project is the True Colors Residence, completed in 2011, which targets the HIV/AIDS population.
Central Harlem has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade. The population grew from 74,640 in 2015 to 80,884 in 2022, indicating increasing housing demand. Median income rose from $40,248 in 2015 to $56,356 in 2022, potentially affecting affordable housing needs. Racial demographics have also changed slightly. The Black population decreased from 62% in 2015 to 57% in 2022, while the Hispanic population remained stable at around 24%. The White population increased from 9% to 11% during this period.
Central Harlem's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory covers over a third of the estimated housing stock. The neighborhood has seen consistent investment in affordable housing over nearly three decades, with significant activity in the 2010s. The diverse unit types cater to various household needs, and specialized projects address specific community requirements. As the neighborhood continues to evolve demographically and economically, LIHTC-funded housing remains crucial in maintaining housing affordability and diversity in Central Harlem.
