Section 8 Income Limit Calculator
Check if your income falls within Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher limits by state.
Income Limits for Your State
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This calculator estimates whether your household income falls within Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher income limits. Here is how to use it:
- Select your state. Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by location. This calculator uses state-level estimates. For precise limits, check HUD's website for your specific county or metro area.
- Enter your household size. Count everyone who will live in the unit, including children. HUD adjusts income limits by household size.
- Enter your annual household income. Include all income sources for all household members: wages, Social Security, pensions, child support, and any other income.
About Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8, officially the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is the federal government's largest rental assistance program. Administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), it helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent housing in the private market. The voucher covers the difference between 30% of the tenant's adjusted income and the local Fair Market Rent.
HUD requires PHAs to provide 75% of vouchers to applicants at or below 30% of Area Median Income (Extremely Low Income). The remaining 25% can go to applicants up to 80% AMI. In practice, demand far exceeds supply: most areas have waiting lists of months to years, and many PHAs close their lists periodically.
Why This Matters
Approximately 50% of renters in the United States are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. The Section 8 program serves about 2.3 million households, but an estimated 3 out of 4 eligible families do not receive assistance due to limited funding and long waiting lists. Knowing your income tier helps you understand your priority level when waiting lists open and whether to apply at your local PHA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Section 8 income limits?
Section 8 income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI) for your location. There are three tiers: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI), Very Low Income (50% AMI), and Low Income (80% AMI). HUD requires that 75% of vouchers go to Extremely Low Income applicants. Limits vary significantly by location and household size. For example, 50% AMI for a family of 4 might be $36,000 in a rural area but $60,000+ in a high-cost metro.
How long is the Section 8 waiting list?
Wait times vary dramatically by location. In major cities, waiting lists can be 2-10+ years. Some PHAs close their waiting lists entirely when they have more applicants than they can serve. Rural areas may have shorter waits. Check with your local Public Housing Authority for current wait times and whether their list is open. Some PHAs use preference categories (veterans, elderly, disabled, homeless) that can move applicants ahead.
How much does Section 8 cover?
With a Section 8 voucher, you generally pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The voucher covers the difference between your payment and the actual rent, up to the local Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD. If you choose a unit with rent above the FMR, you pay the additional amount yourself. You can use the voucher for any qualifying private rental that accepts vouchers.
How do I apply for Section 8?
Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). You can find your PHA at HUD.gov. When the waiting list is open, submit an application with proof of identity, income, and household composition. You may apply to multiple PHAs. Some PHAs accept online applications while others require in-person visits. After being selected from the waiting list, you must complete an eligibility interview and income verification.