How Section 8 income limits work
HUD calculates three limits for every county (or town, in New England) based on the local median family income and household size:
- Extremely low income (30%): the group housing authorities must serve first. At least 75% of new Section 8 vouchers each year go to these households, and 40% of new public housing admissions.
- Very low income (50%): the general cap to receive a Housing Choice Voucher.
- Low income (80%): the cap for public housing, and for vouchers only in specific exceptions HUD defines.
Being under the limit does not guarantee a voucher: demand far exceeds funding, so most agencies keep waiting lists. It only means you can apply.
Section 8 income limits in the largest cities
Very low income limit (the Section 8 cap) for one person and for a family of four, FY2026.
| Area | Housing authority | 1 person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY HUD Metro FMR Area | New York City Housing Authority | $59,400 | $84,800 |
| Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area | Chicago Housing Authority | $42,550 | $60,750 |
| San Juan-Guaynabo, PR HUD Metro FMR Area | Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration | $14,500 | $20,700 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area | Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles | $58,300 | $83,300 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA | Philadelphia Housing Authority | $42,950 | $61,350 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA | Michigan State Housing Development Authority | $35,950 | $51,300 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA | Housing Authority Of Baltimore City | $46,900 | $67,000 |
| Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL HUD Metro FMR Area | Miami Dade Housing and Community Dev | $47,700 | $68,100 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area | Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta | $41,250 | $58,900 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area | Boston Housing Authority | $60,000 | $85,700 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area | D.C Housing Authority | $58,150 | $83,050 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ MSA | State of Nj Dept. of Comm. Affairs | $48,850 | $69,750 |
| Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area | Housing Authority of the City of Dallas | $42,400 | $60,550 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA HUD Metro FMR Area | Housing Authority of New Orleans | $31,050 | $44,300 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX HUD Metro FMR Area | San Antonio Housing Authority | $35,250 | $50,300 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for Section 8?
In most cases your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income, which HUD calls the very low income limit. It changes by county and household size: use the tool on this page to see yours.
What income counts for Section 8?
The gross yearly income of every adult in the household: wages, Social Security, SSI, pensions, unemployment, child support, alimony and regular gifts. Income of children under 18 from work is generally excluded, and some items like food stamps (SNAP) do not count.
Are the income limits the same for public housing?
No. Public housing accepts households up to 80% of area median income (the low income limit), so the cap is higher than for Section 8 vouchers.
When does HUD update the income limits?
Once a year, usually in the spring. The FY2026 limits shown here are the current ones and apply until HUD publishes the FY2027 limits.
What does extremely low income mean?
Income at or below 30% of the area median (or the federal poverty guideline, if higher). Each year at least 75% of the new Section 8 vouchers an agency issues must go to these households.
Next steps
Source: HUD USER, FY2026 Income Limits (Section 8). Independent tool, not affiliated with HUD.