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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Durham, North Carolina, known for its thriving research and technology sector, has a significant inventory of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The city has 5,357 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 4,170 of these designated as low-income units. This affordable housing stock addresses the housing needs of Durham's diverse population.
Based on the estimated housing inventory of 111,818 units, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing covers approximately 4.8% of the city's total housing stock. This falls short of the ideal target of 15-20% affordable housing, though other affordable housing programs may contribute to the overall inventory.
Durham has received $20,516,488 in project tax credits through the LIHTC program. With approximately 67 projects, this translates to an average of about $306,216 in federal funding per project. The average federal funding per unit is approximately $3,830. Durham accounts for 4.7% of North Carolina's total LIHTC funding, indicating a significant portion of the state's affordable housing efforts.
The city's involvement with LIHTC-funded affordable housing began in 1987 with the Clements Duplex project and continues to the present day. The most recent completed project on record is the JJ Henderson development in 2022, demonstrating a 35-year commitment to affordable housing development. The 1990s saw the most robust affordable housing development activity, with numerous projects completed during this decade, including Carver Creek Apartments, Oxford Commons Elderly Housing, and Preiss-Steele Place.
Durham's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory is diverse, catering to various household sizes. The breakdown of units includes 48 efficiencies, 1,314 one-bedroom units, 2,339 two-bedroom units, 942 three-bedroom units, and 83 four-bedroom units. This distribution suggests a focus on accommodating small to medium-sized households.
Over the past decade, Durham has experienced significant demographic changes that correlate with its affordable housing development. The city's population has grown steadily, increasing from 245,466 in 2013 to 291,844 in 2022. This 18.9% population growth likely contributes to the ongoing need for affordable housing options.
Median income in Durham has increased substantially, rising from $50,522 in 2013 to $78,105 in 2022. Despite this overall increase in median income, the continued development of affordable housing projects suggests a persistent need for low-income housing options, possibly due to income inequality or the rising cost of living.
Racial demographics in Durham have shown some shifts over the past decade. The Black population percentage has decreased slightly from 40% in 2013 to 34% in 2022, while the White population has remained relatively stable at around 40%. The Asian population has increased slightly from 5% to 7%, and the Hispanic population has remained consistent at around 14%. These demographic changes may influence the need for culturally sensitive affordable housing solutions.
In summary, Durham's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory represents a significant effort to address the housing needs of its low-income residents. With over 5,000 units developed over 35 years, the city has maintained a consistent commitment to affordable housing. The current inventory covers a small percentage of the estimated housing stock. The ongoing development of new projects, coupled with the city's changing demographics and rising median income, suggests a continued need for affordable housing options in this growing and dynamic city.