FY2026 Income Limits for Affordable Housing
HUD Area Median Income limits by county and household size. These limits determine eligibility for income-restricted apartments across the Pacific Northwest.
Last updated: March 2026 · Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Understanding the AMI Levels
Each affordable housing unit is restricted to a specific AMI (Area Median Income) percentage. Your household income must be at or below the limit for your household size at that AMI level. Here's what the levels mean:
Extremely Low Income
Deepest subsidy. Rents are heavily discounted. Fewer units available at this level.
Very Low Income
Significant savings vs. market rate. Common for Section 8 and LIHTC programs.
Low Income (LIHTC)
Most common threshold. The majority of LIHTC and MFTE units are at this level.
Low Income
Broadest eligibility. Moderate savings, but in high-cost areas this still helps significantly.
No income limit data available.
What Do These Numbers Mean for You?
How to read the tables
- Find your county — this is based on where the apartment is, not where you currently live.
- Find your household size — count everyone who will live in the unit (you, spouse/partner, children, other adults).
- Check the income limit — your total gross annual household income must be at or below this number.
- Look at the AMI level — different units are restricted to different AMI percentages. If you're over the 50% limit, check 60% and 80%.
Example: Can I afford an apartment in Seattle?
Let's say you're a household of 2 earning $55,000/year in King County (Seattle):
- Your estimated AMI: ~65%
- You'd likely qualify for units at 80% AMI (income limit is higher than $55K for a 2-person household)
- You might also qualify for some 60% AMI units (check the specific limit above)
- Estimated comfortable rent (30% of income): ~$1,375/mo
What about the "Est. max rent" row?
The "Est. max rent (30%)" row shows what 30% of the income limit works out to monthly. This is a budgeting guideline — HUD recommends spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. Actual program rents are set by the program administrator and may differ, but this gives you a reference point for what's considered affordable at each income level.
Important Notes About Income Limits
These are HUD-published limits, not program-specific limits
Individual programs may set their own income caps that differ from these numbers. The limits on each listing are the ones that matter for qualification.
Income is gross (before taxes)
All income figures use gross annual household income — what you earn before taxes and deductions, not your take-home pay.
Limits update annually
HUD publishes new limits each spring. When limits increase, more households may become eligible. We update these tables as soon as new data is published.
Don't count yourself out
If you're close to a limit, it's still worth applying. Income calculation has specific rules about what counts and what doesn't — you may qualify even if you think you're over. See what counts as income.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Our calculator does the math for you — enter your income and see exactly which units you qualify for.
Related Resources
These are HUD-published income limits for reference. Specific program eligibility may differ — final qualification is determined during the application process. Individual properties may use program-specific limits that differ from these HUD tables. Estimated rents are calculated as 30% of income and are for reference only — actual program rents are set by the program administrator.