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St. Joseph's LIHTC Program: Addressing Affordable Housing Needs in a Historically Rich Missouri City
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
St. Joseph, Missouri, a city situated along the Missouri River, has a substantial Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory. The LIHTC program has contributed 1,106 total units, with 1,004 designated as low-income units. Based on the estimated housing inventory of 27,081 units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises approximately 4.1% of the city's housing stock.
St. Joseph has received $4,826,915 in project tax credits for affordable housing through the LIHTC program. With approximately 38 projects, this equates to an average federal funding of about $127,024 per project and $4,364 per unit. The city accounts for 1.38% of Missouri's total LIHTC funding, indicating a significant contribution to the state's affordable housing efforts.
The LIHTC program in St. Joseph has been active since 1987, with the earliest recorded project being "1324-26 Buchanan St." The most recent projects, "Woodbine Meadows" and "Saint Charles Place," were completed in 2020. This 33-year span demonstrates a sustained commitment to affordable housing development in the city.
The 1990s witnessed the most significant affordable housing development activity, with projects such as "Robidoux School Apts," "Alexandria Apts I," and "Westchester Village" being completed during this decade.
The LIHTC-funded housing in St. Joseph offers a range of unit types. The inventory includes 15 efficiencies, 352 one-bedroom units, 487 two-bedroom units, 112 three-bedroom units, and 5 four-bedroom units. This distribution accommodates various household sizes and needs within the low-income population.
Two notable projects, "Woodbine Meadows" and "Saint Charles Place," completed in 2020, are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. These projects demonstrate a focus on addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations within the community.
St. Joseph's population has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with a slight decrease from 76,096 in 2015 to 70,682 in 2022. The median income has shown some fluctuation, increasing from $46,398 in 2015 to $53,012 in 2022. This modest income growth may indicate an ongoing need for affordable housing options.
Recent racial demographic data from 2022 shows that St. Joseph is predominantly white (76%), with growing Hispanic (9%) and Black (8%) populations. The city also has a notable multiracial population (6%). This diversity underscores the importance of maintaining an inclusive affordable housing strategy.
St. Joseph's LIHTC-funded affordable housing program has made a significant contribution to the city's housing landscape over the past three decades. With 1,106 total units and 1,004 low-income units, the program addresses approximately 4.1% of the city's estimated housing inventory. The city has leveraged $4,826,915 in tax credits, demonstrating a substantial investment in affordable housing. The diverse unit types and recent projects targeting specific populations like individuals with disabilities reflect efforts to meet varied housing needs. The rising median income and changing racial demographics suggest an ongoing need for affordable housing options to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all residents.
