Complete Income Limits by Household Size
All figures are annual gross household income
| AMI Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
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What is AMI and why does it matter?
Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region's income distribution, published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Half of households earn more, half earn less.
Most down payment assistance programs use AMI thresholds to determine eligibility. For example, a program might require your household income to be at or below 80% of AMI (the "Low Income" limit) or 150% of AMI for moderate-income programs.
The limits vary by county (high-cost areas like the Bay Area have higher limits) and by household size (larger households have higher limits). HUD also applies adjustments in high housing cost areas, which is why some counties' 80% limit may actually exceed 80% of the raw median.
Common DPA thresholds:
- • 80% AMI — "Low Income" — Used by many city/county DPA programs
- • 100% AMI — "Median" — Common threshold for CalHFA programs
- • 120% AMI — "Moderate" — Some state and employer programs
- • 150% AMI — Upper limit for programs like CalHFA Dream For All
Source: HUD FY2025 Income Limits. The 80%, 50%, and 30% limits are official HUD-published figures. The 100%, 120%, and 150% limits are calculated using HUD household size adjustment factors.
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only. Verify income eligibility directly with program providers.
Select a County to See Income Limits
Choose a California county above to see the HUD income limits that determine eligibility for down payment assistance programs.