Welcome to the Mississippi Income Limits page. Here, you’ll find the latest income limits for affordable housing across the state. Whether you’re in a small county or a large Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), this guide will help you understand the income requirements for housing assistance programs.
2024 Income Limits
Navigating the landscape of affordable housing can be challenging. Understanding the statewide income limits in Mississippi is crucial for those seeking affordable housing options. This guide helps you easily find the income limits specific to your county or Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
In Mississippi, the income limits for affordable housing vary by location and are determined based on several factors, including the area’s median income and cost of living. These limits are essential for eligibility in various housing programs, including Section 8 housing.
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
Mississippi
| Median Family Income |
| $71,100 |
| Very Low-Income Limit (VLIL) 50% of Median* |
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| $24,900 | $24,900 | $32,000 | $35,550 | $38,400 | $41,250 | $44,100 | $46,950 |
| Extremely Low-Income Limit (ELIL) 30% of Median* |
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| $14,950 | $17,100 | $19,250 | $21,350 | $23,100 | $24,800 | $26,500 | $28,200 |
| Low-Income Limit (LIL) 80% of Median* |
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| $39,850 | $45,550 | $51,250 | $56,900 | $61,500 | $66,050 | $70,600 | $75,150 |
*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
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 FY 2023 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.