Section 8 Income Limits: Quick Answer
There is no single national income limit for Section 8. HUD publishes income limits for each county and metropolitan area. Your limit depends on:
- Your city, county, or HUD metro area
- Your household size
- The local Area Median Income
- The type of housing assistance or voucher preference used by your PHA
Use HUD’s official income limits tool and search by your area.
Open HUD Income Limits Tool →How Section 8 Income Limits Work
Section 8, also called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, uses HUD income limits rather than Federal Poverty Level percentages. HUD income limits are usually grouped into three common tiers: extremely low income, very low income, and low income.
Highest-priority group for many voucher admissions
Common income threshold for Housing Choice Voucher eligibility
May apply to some HUD programs or special voucher situations
Common Section 8 income tiers
For the Housing Choice Voucher program, families generally must be extremely low-income or very low-income to qualify. Federal targeting rules also require PHAs to direct most new voucher admissions to extremely low-income households. Some households or special programs may use different limits.
| Income tier | AMI level | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely Low Income | 30% AMI | Highest-priority income group for many voucher admissions. |
| Very Low Income | 50% AMI | Common eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. |
| Low Income | 80% AMI | Used for some HUD programs and special eligibility situations. |
How household size affects your limit
HUD income limits increase with household size. A larger household can usually have a higher income and still qualify because more people depend on the same household income.
| Household size | HUD size factor | 30% AMI example* | 50% AMI example* | 80% AMI example* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 70% | $20,500 | $34,200 | $54,800 |
| 2 people | 80% | $23,500 | $39,100 | $62,600 |
| 3 people | 90% | $26,400 | $44,000 | $70,400 |
| 4 people | 100% | $29,300 | $48,900 | $78,200 |
| 5 people | 108% | $31,700 | $52,800 | $84,500 |
| 6 people | 116% | $34,000 | $56,700 | $90,800 |
| 7 people | 124% | $36,400 | $60,600 | $97,000 |
| 8 people | 132% | $38,700 | $64,500 | $103,300 |
*Illustrative only. These examples use a national AMI estimate of $97,800. Your actual HUD income limit may be higher or lower.
How to Find Your Local Section 8 Income Limit
The most accurate way to check Section 8 income limits is to use HUD’s official income limits dataset or contact your local Public Housing Authority.
HUD publishes official limits by county, metro area, and household size.
Search by state, county, city, or HUD Fair Market Rent area.
Use the limit for the number of people in your household.
Your local PHA decides application timing, waitlist status, and local preferences.
Use these links to verify your local limit and find your housing authority.
Section 8 Income Limit Examples by Area
The table below shows why local limits matter. These examples use estimated AMI figures to illustrate how 30%, 50%, and 80% AMI limits can vary. They are not a substitute for HUD’s official local income limits.
| Area example | Illustrative AMI | 30% AMI | 50% AMI | 80% AMI | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $175,400 | $52,600 | $87,700 | $140,300 | Very high cost example |
| New York City, NY | $128,800 | $38,600 | $64,400 | $103,000 | High cost example |
| Chicago, IL | $107,400 | $32,200 | $53,700 | $85,900 | Large metro example |
| National example | $97,800 | $29,300 | $48,900 | $78,200 | Illustrative midpoint |
| Dallas, TX | $96,400 | $28,900 | $48,200 | $77,100 | Major metro example |
| Phoenix, AZ | $90,800 | $27,200 | $45,400 | $72,600 | Moderate cost example |
| Memphis, TN | $72,200 | $21,700 | $36,100 | $57,800 | Lower cost example |
| Rural area example | $65,000 | $19,500 | $32,500 | $52,000 | Illustrative rural estimate |
These examples are for education only. Actual HUD limits may include local adjustments, floors, caps, and program-specific rules.
Does Low Income Guarantee a Section 8 Voucher?
No. Even if your income is below the limit, you may not receive a voucher right away. Section 8 demand is usually much higher than available funding.
Some PHAs only open applications for a few days or weeks.
Some PHAs use a lottery instead of first-come, first-served applications.
Local preferences may apply for homelessness, disability, veterans, residency, working families, or other groups.
How to Apply for Section 8
Section 8 is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities.
Look for open waiting lists, lottery windows, deadlines, and local preferences.
You may need ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, household details, and housing information.
If your address, phone number, income, or household size changes, update the PHA so you do not lose your spot.
How Much Rent Do You Pay With Section 8?
Voucher households often pay about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, but the final amount depends on your PHA’s calculation, the payment standard, the rent charged by the landlord, and any utility allowance.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Payment standard | The maximum subsidy standard your PHA uses for a unit size and area. |
| Tenant rent share | The portion you pay, commonly based on adjusted income. |
| Utility allowance | An estimated allowance for tenant-paid utilities, based on local PHA schedules. |
| Housing Assistance Payment | The amount the PHA pays to the landlord on your behalf. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Section 8 in 2026?
There is no single national Section 8 income limit. HUD sets income limits for each local area based on Area Median Income and household size. Many Housing Choice Voucher applicants qualify under extremely low-income or very low-income limits.
Is Section 8 based on the federal poverty level?
No. Section 8 income limits are generally based on HUD Area Median Income limits, not Federal Poverty Level guidelines. This is different from programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC.
What does 50% AMI mean?
50% AMI means half of the Area Median Income for your local HUD area, adjusted for household size. This is often called the very low-income limit.
Can I qualify if my income is above 50% AMI?
Sometimes, but it depends on the program, voucher type, local rules, and your household situation. Some HUD programs or special voucher categories may use higher limits, but Housing Choice Vouchers are generally targeted to extremely low-income and very low-income households.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers help you rent from a private landlord, while public housing is usually owned or managed by a housing authority. Both programs have income limits, but they work differently.
How much of my rent does Section 8 pay?
The PHA calculates your rent share and subsidy. Voucher households often pay about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, but the final amount depends on payment standards, rent, utilities, and PHA rules.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher in another state?
Voucher portability may allow you to move to another PHA’s jurisdiction, including another state. Some households can move right away, while others may need to lease in the original PHA area first. Always ask your PHA before planning a move.
Does Section 8 cover utilities?
Your PHA may include a utility allowance when calculating affordability and subsidy amounts. If you pay utilities separately, the allowance can affect your rent calculation.
Where do I apply?
Apply through your local Public Housing Authority. Because waiting lists open and close locally, check the PHA website or call directly for the current application process.