Navigating affordable housing in Alabama requires understanding statewide income limits. This guide facilitates finding these limits for specific counties or MSAs in Alabama, which is crucial for eligibility in housing programs like Section 8. Alabama income limits help determine eligibility for Section 8.
Only US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status may participate.
2024
Alabama’s income limits for affordable housing vary by location, influenced by factors like area median income and living costs. Providers determine eligibility for Section 8 based on total annual gross income and family size. The household income cannot exceed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s income limits.
Alabama Statewide Income Limits
Providers determine eligibility for Section 8 based on total annual gross income and family size. The household income cannot exceed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s income limits.
There are three categories:
- Extremely Low-Income (ELI): HUD defines ELI incomes as those that “do not exceed the greater of 30 percent of the median family income for the area or the federal poverty guidelines as published by the Department of Health and Human Services.”
- Very Low Income (VLI): VLI incomes are 50 percent of area median incomes.
- Low Income (LI): LI incomes are 80 percent of area median incomes.
FY 2024 State Income Limits
Alabama
| Median Family Income |
| $82,500 |
| Very Low-Income Limit (VLIL) 50% of Median* |
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| $28,900 | $33,000 | $37,150 | $41,250 | $44,550 | $47,850 | $51,150 | $54,450 |
| Extremely Low-Income Limit (ELIL) 30% of Median* |
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| $17,350 | $19,800 | $22,300 | $24,750 | $26,750 | $28,750 | $30,700 | $32,700 |
| Low-Income Limit (LIL) 80% of Median* |
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| $46,200 | $52,800 | $59,400 | $66,000 | $71,300 | $76,600 | $81,850 | $87,150 |
*Note: Income Limits may not equal exactly 50%, 30%, or 80% of the statewide Median Family Income due to the application of ceilings and floors.
Finding your County or MSA Limits
Identifying income limits for your specific county or MSA is vital for tailored housing information in Alabama.
To ensure you have the most relevant information for your housing needs, it’s essential to check the income limits specific to your county or MSA. This targeted approach helps you understand your area’s unique requirements and opportunities.
- Visit the HUD Income Limits page.
- Select your state from the dropdown list.
- Choose either a county or a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) from the subsequent dropdown list.
- Click ‘View County Limits’ or ‘View MSA Limits’ to see the income limits for your selected area.
The linked page also includes the HUD Metropolitan Fair Market Rent/Income Limits Area (HMFA).
Section 8 FAQs
Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal government program. It assists low-income families, the disabled, and the elderly in affordable housing. Participants may choose any housing that meets program requirements and use housing vouchers to help pay their rent.
A housing choice voucher (HCV) helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
Those eligible can choose housing types that include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. However, the housing must meet the program’s requirements and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
Public housing agencies (PHAs) administer the vouchers locally. The PHAs receive federal funds HUD sends federal funds to the PHAs to administer the voucher program.
The PHA pays the landlord directly on your behalf.
You are responsible for the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the HCV program.
Yes, under certain circumstances. You may use your voucher to purchase a modest home if the PHA approves.
Please see our page on Income Limits.