The federal government created the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program to expand access to affordable housing for households with low income. Administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and implemented locally by public housing authorities (PHAs), Section 8 is one of California’s most critical tools for addressing its affordability crisis.
With California’s high housing costs and a growing need for stability among renters, understanding the Section 8 housing income limits and requirements in California is essential for applicants.
Section 8 Housing Income Limits in California
To qualify for a Section 8 voucher, households must meet income thresholds based on family size and location. HUD updates these limits annually, tying them to the Area Median Income (AMI) for each county or metro region.
- Eligibility typically falls between 30% and 80% of the local median income, depending on the program tier (extremely low, very low, or low income).
- For 2025, income thresholds continue to reflect California’s rising housing costs, with higher limits in coastal counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange compared to inland areas.
- Applicants must provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefits statements) when applying.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
1 | $24,850 |
2 | $28,400 |
| 3 | $31,950 |
4 | $35,450 |
5 | $38,300 |
6 | $41,150 |
| 7 | $44,000 |
| 8 | $46,800 |
Meeting income requirements does not guarantee a voucher, as demand for assistance far exceeds available funding. Many applicants are placed on waiting lists, sometimes for months or years.
Example: Orange County Low-Income Housing Limits 2025
Orange County has distinct income thresholds, reflecting its higher cost of living. These limits are essential in determining eligibility for Section 8 and other low-income housing programs:
Household Size | Extremely Low Income | Very Low Income | Low Income | Moderate Income |
1 person | $33,150 | $55,250 | $88,400 | $108,350 |
2 persons | $37,900 | $63,100 | $101,000 | $123,850 |
3 persons | $42,650 | $71,050 | $113,650 | $139,300 |
4 persons | $47,350 | $78,900 | $126,250 | $154,800 |
5 persons | $51,150 | $85,250 | $136,350 | $167,200 |
6 persons | $54,950 | $91,550 | $146,450 | $179,550 |
7 persons | $58,750 | $97,850 | $156,550 | $191,950 |
| 8 persons | $62,550 | $104,150 | $166,650 | $204,350 |
Section 8 Eligibility in California
To qualify for Section 8 in California, applicants must meet HUD and local housing authority requirements:
1. Confirm Your Income Eligibility
Your household income must generally fall below 50% of the local AMI to qualify. HUD also allows certain deductions (for medical expenses, dependents, or childcare) that can help households qualify.
Eligibility also considers household size, U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status, and criminal background.
2. Find Your Local Public Housing Authority (PHA)
Each county or metro area has its own PHA. Search “[your county/city] + Section 8 PHA” to find the correct office. PHAs manage applications, waiting lists, and local program rules.
3. Apply for the Section 8 Voucher
Most PHAs in California now allow online applications. Be prepared to provide:
- Proof of income
- Identification for all household members
- Social Security numbers
- Due to high demand, expect to be placed on a waiting list. Keep your contact information updated to avoid missing notifications.
4. Attend the Section 8 Interview
If selected, you will be invited to an interview where you must present original documents and discuss your housing needs. Compliance with program rules is emphasized at this stage.
5. Receive Your Section 8 Voucher and Find Housing
Once approved, you will receive a voucher specifying your rental assistance amount. You may select any private rental property that accepts vouchers and passes a PHA inspection for safety and quality standards.
HUD Housing Application in California
Beyond Section 8, HUD funds additional affordable housing programs, including public housing and specialized programs like Section 202 for seniors.
Key distinctions:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Tenant-based rental assistance for privately owned units.
- HUD Public Housing: Government-owned rental properties with reduced rents.
To apply for HUD housing in California, contact your local housing authority or nonprofit housing provider. Application requirements generally include personal, income, and household documentation.
Conclusion
California’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program remains one of the most important pathways to affordable housing in the state. While income eligibility is tied to HUD’s annual limits, applicants must also prepare for waiting lists due to high demand.
By understanding Section 8 income limits in California 2025, confirming eligibility, and applying through your local PHA, you can position your household to secure affordable, stable housing.
For guidance on navigating California’s affordable housing landscape or property management services feel free to contact us at BFPMInc.
Trevor Henson
Trevor Henson is an experienced entrepreneur (10+ highly-successful start-ups) and property investor with a demonstrated history of building and leading teams in investment property management environments, maximizing returns for property owners, and optimizing properties through construction management and re-positioning. He…Learn more about how we can help. Customized solutions for large portfolios!