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Jackson's Affordable Housing: LIHTC Program Shapes Urban Landscape
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Jackson, Alabama, a small urban area, has a distinct affordable housing landscape influenced by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The city's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory comprises 253 total units, with 229 designated as low-income units. This inventory represents approximately 10.5% of the city's estimated 2,414 housing units.
The LIHTC program has provided Jackson with $563,611 in project tax credits for affordable housing development. With six projects, this translates to an average federal funding of $93,935 per project and $2,228 per unit. Jackson's allocation accounts for 0.32% of Alabama's total LIHTC funding, a significant proportion for a city of its size.
Jackson's engagement with LIHTC-funded affordable housing began in 1993 with The Grove Apartments and continued through 2011 with the completion of Windsor Apartments. This 18-year span indicates a sustained commitment to affordable housing development. The 2000s were particularly active, with four projects completed: Willow Trace Apartments (2002), Windrush Apartments (2007), Cottonwood Estates (2009), and Windsor Apartments (2011).
The affordable housing inventory in Jackson primarily consists of one-bedroom (71 units) and two-bedroom (104 units) apartments. Additionally, there are 42 three-bedroom units, catering to larger families. Notably, Willow Trace Apartments, completed in 2002, specifically targets individuals with mental illness, addressing a crucial community need.
Demographic trends over the past decade reveal correlations with LIHTC developments. The city's population has fluctuated, peaking at 7,127 in 2016 before declining to 6,300 in 2022. Median income has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $35,270 in 2017 to $50,950 in 2022. This rise in median income may indicate a growing need for affordable housing options for lower-income residents.
Racial demographics have remained relatively stable, with the white population consistently representing the majority (52-56% in recent years), followed by the Black population (38-44%). A slight increase in racial diversity, including small but growing Asian and Hispanic populations, may suggest a need for culturally sensitive affordable housing options.
In conclusion, Jackson's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory plays a significant role in addressing the community's housing needs. The city has maintained consistent development of affordable housing projects over nearly two decades, focusing on one and two-bedroom units. While the current inventory covers about 10.5% of the estimated housing stock, ongoing demographic changes and income trends indicate a continued need for affordable housing options in the city.
