What are HUD Income Limits?
HUD income limits define the maximum household income to qualify for federally-assisted housing programs. They are expressed as percentages of Area Median Income (AMI) — the midpoint income for a 4-person household in each metro area. The key thresholds are: 30% AMI (Extremely Low Income), 50% AMI (Very Low Income, the Section 8 eligibility ceiling for most applicants), and 80% AMI (Low Income). Dollar amounts vary by household size: smaller households have lower limits, larger households have higher ones.
HUD Income Limits FY2026
Browse income limits by state — 30%, 50%, 60%, and 80% AMI thresholds for every HUD area.
How Income Limits Work
HUD calculates income limits annually for every metropolitan statistical area and non-metropolitan county in the US. The process starts with estimates of area median family income, then applies a complex series of adjustments to prevent large year-over-year swings while still reflecting local market conditions.
The key income limit categories are:
- 30% AMI (Extremely Low Income) — Household income does not exceed 30% of the area median. These households face the most severe housing cost burdens and receive priority for many programs.
- 50% AMI (Very Low Income) — The primary Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher eligibility threshold. Most applicants must be at or below 50% AMI to qualify.
- 60% AMI — Used for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) maximum gross rent calculations at the 60% AMI level.
- 80% AMI (Low Income) — Used for HOME program eligibility and other affordable housing programs.
All limits are adjusted for household size, with smaller households having lower thresholds and larger households having higher ones.