Section 8 Income Limits Explained by Household Size
Published May 5, 2026
Run your numbers: Use the Section 8 calculator with your ZIP to see eligibility and estimated voucher help.
Section 8 income limits are not one national number. HUD publishes limits every year for each metro area and non-metro county, based on Area Median Income (AMI).
Very low vs low income
For Housing Choice Vouchers, PHAs generally target very low income households — roughly 50% of AMI. HUD also publishes low income limits at 80% of AMI. Some PHAs may serve families up to low income when funding allows.
| HUD category | Typical share of AMI | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely low | 30% | Deep targeting |
| Very low | 50% | Most voucher slots |
| Low | 80% | Some admissions / project-based |
Limits increase with household size — a family of four is compared to the four-person limit, not the one-person limit.
Why ZIP matters
Income limits follow HUD geography, which follows counties and metros — not always city borders. That is why our calculator asks for ZIP first, then lets you confirm city and county before pulling HUD data.
Check your limit
Open the Section 8 calculator, enter your ZIP, and compare your annual income to the very low limit for your household size. If you are slightly above very low but below low, ask your PHA about preferences and funding.