Section 8 Income Limits 2026: By City and Household Size
June 30, 2026 · 5 min read · Section 8 overview
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers don't have a single national income limit — each Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for its area. The standard voucher limit is 50% of local AMI, but 75% of vouchers must go to households at 30% AMI or below.
How Section 8 income limits work
HUD publishes income limits annually for every metro area. The three tiers are:
- Extremely Low Income: 30% AMI or below (priority for 75% of vouchers)
- Very Low Income: 50% AMI (standard eligibility limit for vouchers)
- Low Income: 80% AMI (used for some other HUD programs)
Because AMI varies dramatically by city, so do the actual dollar limits. A family of four at 50% AMI in rural Mississippi might qualify with $28,000/year, while the same family in San Francisco would qualify up to $80,000+.
Sample 2026 income limits — 50% AMI, family of four
| Metro Area | 50% AMI (family of 4) | 30% AMI (family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | ~$80,400 | ~$48,250 |
| New York, NY | ~$70,900 | ~$42,550 |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~$62,100 | ~$37,250 |
| Chicago, IL | ~$54,600 | ~$32,750 |
| Houston, TX | ~$47,200 | ~$28,300 |
| Phoenix, AZ | ~$43,800 | ~$26,300 |
| Atlanta, GA | ~$46,700 | ~$28,000 |
| Rural Mississippi | ~$28,000 | ~$16,800 |
Note: These are estimates. Exact limits vary by household size and change annually. Check HUD's income limits database for your specific area.
How to apply for Section 8
- Find your local PHA. Use HUD's PHA directory to find the housing authority that covers your area.
- Check if the waitlist is open. Many PHAs have closed waitlists. Sign up for notifications on your PHA's website and apply immediately when the list opens.
- Apply and gather documents. You'll need proof of income, ID for all household members, Social Security numbers, and rental history.
- Wait for your voucher. Waitlists range from months to over a decade. Priority is usually given to homeless families, domestic violence survivors, and veterans.
- Find a unit. Once you receive your voucher, find a private landlord who accepts it and whose unit passes a housing quality inspection within your voucher's payment standard.
While you wait for Section 8…
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Check all housing programs →Common questions
What is the income limit for Section 8 in 2026?
It depends on your city. The general limit is 50% of your Area Median Income. Use HUD's income limits database to find the exact number for your metro area and household size.
How long is the Section 8 waitlist?
Typically 1–10+ years. Many PHAs have closed their lists entirely. Check your local PHA's website and apply as soon as a waitlist opens — openings are often brief.
Does Section 8 check your credit or rental history?
The PHA does not check credit, but private landlords who accept your voucher may. The PHA will verify income, family size, and immigration status. Evictions from public housing can affect your eligibility.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?
Section 8 vouchers work in private rental units. Public housing places you in government-owned units. Both are administered by your local PHA but have separate waitlists and rules.
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