2026 Section 8 Income Limits for Santa Cruz County, CA

Median Income: $137,200 (annual) • Effective: 2026-05-01

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Santa Cruz County?

To qualify for a Section 8 voucher in Santa Cruz County, CA, a household generally must earn no more than the Very Low Income (50%) limit for its size: $76,150 for one person or $108,750 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 — $65,250 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 $137,200.

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	$45,700
2	$52,200
3	$58,750
4	$65,250
5	$70,500
6	$75,700
7	$80,950
8	$86,150

Very Low Income (50%) Limits

Annual household income limits by household size.

Household Size	Limit (Annual)
1	$76,150
2	$87,000
3	$97,900
4	$108,750
5	$117,450
6	$126,150
7	$134,850
8	$143,550

Low Income (80%) Limits

Annual household income limits by household size.

Household Size	Limit (Annual)
1	$122,200
2	$139,650
3	$157,100
4	$174,550
5	$188,500
6	$202,500
7	$216,450
8	$230,450

Income limits for all California counties

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