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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
East Kensington, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, contains 52 affordable housing units funded by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. These units constitute approximately 2.21% of the estimated 2,351 housing units in the neighborhood, based on the 2022 population of 6,135 and the national average household size. The LIHTC program has invested $1,430,156 in tax credits in East Kensington, averaging $27,503 per unit.
The affordable housing projects in East Kensington span from 1989 to 2016, with the earliest developments completed in 1989 at locations including 2143 E Harold St, 2147 E Harold St, 2538 Amber St, and 2059-61 E Sergeant St. The most recent addition is the St Francis Villa Sr Hsg project, completed in 2016. The highest concentration of LIHTC project completions occurred in the 1980s and early 1990s.
East Kensington's affordable housing inventory comprises various unit types, including 11 one-bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units, and 2 three-bedroom units. This distribution indicates a focus on accommodating smaller households and families.
Over the past decade, East Kensington has undergone significant demographic changes. The population increased from 5,047 in 2013 to 6,135 in 2022, suggesting a growing demand for housing. Median income rose from $27,894 in 2013 to $77,411 in 2022, indicating potential gentrification and increased housing costs.
Racial demographics in East Kensington have also shifted. The white population increased from 42% in 2013 to 58% in 2022, while the Hispanic population decreased from 31% to 21%. The Asian population remained relatively stable, and there was a slight increase in residents identifying as two or more races. Despite these demographic changes, no new LIHTC projects have been completed since 2016, possibly due to the rising median income in the area reducing the perceived need for additional affordable housing units.
East Kensington's LIHTC funded affordable housing inventory represents a small but significant portion of the neighborhood's estimated housing stock. The area experienced substantial LIHTC investment in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the most recent project completed in 2016. The neighborhood has undergone considerable demographic changes over the past decade, including population growth, rising median incomes, and shifts in racial composition. These changes may have influenced the recent lack of new LIHTC developments. As East Kensington continues to evolve, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be crucial to ensure a balanced and inclusive community.