Income & Affordability Guidelines
A primary factor in housing affordability is household income. In the U.S., households are commonly defined in terms of the the amount of income they earn relative to 100% of the Area Median Income or AMI. Localized AMI figures are calculated annually based on a survey of comparably-sized households within geographic ranges known as Metropolitan Statistical Areas, as defined by the US Office of Management and Budget. For housing policy purposes, households are categorized as follows: Moderate income households earn between 80-120% of AMI. Low income households earn between 50-80% AMI. Very low income households earn no more than 50% AMI. Note that localities can adapt these income limits when administering local affordable housing programs; however, federal programs must adhere to the definitions above. Data including 2007 AMI levels for all Metropolitan Statistical Areas may be found here. You may qualify for affordable housing.
