Loading Content...
Moline's Affordable Housing: LIHTC Impact on a Changing Midwest City
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Moline, Illinois, a city along the Mississippi River, possesses a significant inventory of affordable housing funded through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The city has 944 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 719 designated as low-income units. Based on the estimated 17,421 housing units in Moline, LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises approximately 5.4% of the city's housing stock.
Moline has received $11,308,655 in project tax credits for affordable housing through the LIHTC program. With approximately 9 projects, this equates to an average of $1,256,517 in federal funding per project. Considering the total units, the average federal funding amounts to $11,979 per unit. Moline holds 1.4% of Illinois' total LIHTC funding, indicating a substantial contribution to the state's affordable housing efforts.
The city's involvement with LIHTC-funded housing spans over three decades, beginning with the Sanders Apts in 1989 and most recently adding the Garfield School Senior Residences in 2019. The 2000s experienced the most activity in affordable housing development, with five projects completed during this decade.
Moline's LIHTC-funded housing inventory includes a range of unit types. The distribution comprises 46 efficiencies, 435 one-bedroom units, 293 two-bedroom units, and 80 three-bedroom units, accommodating various household sizes and needs.
Over the past decade, Moline has experienced minor fluctuations in its population, decreasing from 46,008 in 2014 to 45,468 in 2022. During this period, the median income has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $51,401 in 2014 to $60,560 in 2022, indicating improving economic conditions for residents.
The racial composition of Moline has changed, with the white population decreasing from 76% in 2014 to 69% in 2022. The Hispanic population has grown from 14% to 17%, and the Black population has increased from 4% to 9% during the same period. This demographic shift suggests growing diversity in the city, which may influence future affordable housing needs.
Moline's LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents a significant portion of its housing inventory, contributing to the city's efforts to provide accessible housing options. The consistent development of affordable housing projects over three decades demonstrates a long-term commitment to addressing housing needs. While the city's population has remained relatively stable, the rising median income and increasing diversity in racial composition may influence future affordable housing strategies. The variety of unit types in LIHTC projects suggests an effort to accommodate different household sizes and needs within the community.
