HUD Releases 2026 Income Limits, With Average Annual Increase of 3.4%

HUD released their 2026 income limits, which take effect May 1 and in the case of decreasing limits, must be implemented by June 15.

Go Deeper: Income limits determine eligibility for HUD-assisted programs including public housing, Section 8, Section 202, Section 811, Section 221(d)(3) and Section 236 properties as well as LIHTC properties.

By the Numbers:

• The average annual change in the limit across HUD areas is 3.4 percent.
• The maximum increase for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 is 10%, with 221 areas capped for FY 2026.

The maximum increase is the greater of 5% or twice the change in national median family income unless a LIHTC development is eligible for Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) Special income limits.