2026 Section 8 Income Limits for Santa Barbara County, CA

Median Income: $118,600 (annual) • Effective: 2026-05-01

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Santa Barbara County?

To qualify for a Section 8 voucher in Santa Barbara County, CA, a household generally must earn no more than the Very Low Income (50%) limit for its size: $63,750 for one person or $91,050 for a family of four, under HUD's 2026 limits effective May 1, 2026. Housing authorities must give at least 75% of new vouchers each year to families at or below the Extremely Low Income (30%) limit — $54,650 for a family of four here. The 80% "low income" limit applies to other programs and to a few voucher exceptions. The area median family income HUD used is $118,600.

Rule: 24 CFR 982.201(b). Income counts gross annual income for everyone in the household; your housing authority makes the final determination.

Extremely Low Income (30%) Limits

Annual household income limits by household size.

Household Size	Limit (Annual)
1	$38,300
2	$43,750
3	$49,200
4	$54,650
5	$59,050
6	$63,400
7	$67,800
8	$72,150

Very Low Income (50%) Limits

Annual household income limits by household size.

Household Size	Limit (Annual)
1	$63,750
2	$72,850
3	$81,950
4	$91,050
5	$98,350
6	$105,650
7	$112,950
8	$120,200

Low Income (80%) Limits

Annual household income limits by household size.

Household Size	Limit (Annual)
1	$102,000
2	$116,600
3	$131,150
4	$145,700
5	$157,400
6	$169,050
7	$180,700
8	$192,350

Income limits for all California counties

Source: HUD income limits. Always verify with your local PHA.