California Section 8 Income Limits 2026 by County

California income limits by county, 2026

Annual household income. Source: HUD FY income limits, effective May 1, 2026. A range means HUD publishes that county name as several areas with different limits; the county page lists them.

What is the Section 8 income limit in California in 2026?

HUD sets Section 8 income limits by area, not statewide. In California, the 2026 Very Low Income (50%) limit for a family of four runs from $48,550 in Butte County to $108,750 in Santa Cruz County, effective May 1, 2026; for one person it runs from $34,000 to $76,150. Pick your county in the table for the full 30%, 50% and 80% limits for households of 1 to 8 people.

Is the Section 8 income limit the same across California?

No. HUD calculates income limits for each metropolitan area or county from that area's median family income, so the limit differs within California. Your housing authority applies the limit for the area where it operates; its determination is final.

Which California county has the highest Section 8 income limit?

By HUD's 2026 figures, Santa Cruz County has the highest 50% limit for a family of four ($108,750) and Butte County the lowest ($48,550).

Which income limit do I have to meet to get a voucher?

Generally the Very Low Income (50%) limit for your household size, counted on gross annual income of everyone in the household. At least 75% of the vouchers a housing authority issues to new families each year must go to households at or below the Extremely Low Income (30%) limit, so many vouchers go to the lowest-income households. Housing authorities can also have additional requirements and waiting-list preferences.