LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The California Department of Housing and Community Development released new income limits this month, and they increased in most counties.
These limits are calculated annually based on federal guidelines and are used to determine eligibility for things like affordable housing programs.
Southern California
In Orange County, one-person households making less than $80,000 a year are considered low-income, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
That's up from just under $76,000 last year, and puts Orange County as the most expensive of the Southern California counties.
In Ventura County, it's a little over $74,000 and in Los Angeles County, it's just under $71,000.
The Inland Empire counties have the lowest limits at about $52,000, but are still up from last year's limits.
The Bay Area
Three Bay Area counties top the list of low-income limits, statewide.
Single-person households in San Francisco County, Marin County and San Mateo County who make $104,000 a year are considered low-income.
However, these limits are the same as last year's.
The Central Valley
Counties like Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Mariposa all have the same income limits for single-person households at about $46,000 a year considered low-income. These limits are up about $2,600 from last year.
These income limits are also dependent on the number of people in each household.
For example, while a single-person household in Orange County is considered low-income at about $80,000 a year, a four-person household has a nearly $115,000 limit.
Our table below shows the annual income that is considered low-income in each county in California from 2022 to 2023 for different household sizes.
Click here to open this table in a new window.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development also calculates other income levels like "extremely low-income" and "moderate income."
Income limits are based on annual income before any payroll deductions, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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FAQs
In Orange County, one-person households making less than $80,000 a year are considered low-income, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. That's up from just under $76,000 last year, and puts Orange County as the most expensive of the Southern California counties.
What is considered low income in Southern California? ›
FY 2024 Section 8 Income Limits (Effective 04/15/2024)
| Number of Persons | Extremely Low Income 30% of Median | Low Income 80% of Median |
|---|
| 1 | $ 29,150 | $ 77,700 |
| 2 | $ 33,300 | $ 88,800 |
| 3 | $ 37,450 | $ 99,900 |
| 4 | $ 41,600 | $ 110,950 |
4 more rowsApr 15, 2024
By federal criteria, Orange County's poverty rate has risen to 13.5 percent of residents from 8.8 percent in the past nine years. For a family of four, that means an annual income below $24,000. But Orange County's cost of living is 46 percent higher than the national average.
What annual salary is considered poverty in California? ›
2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Persons in Family Household | Poverty Guideline | MAGI Household Income <500% FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $15,060 | $75,300 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $102,200 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $129,100 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $156,000 |
4 more rowsMar 29, 2024
A single person needs upwards of $80,000 a year to live comfortably in California, survey data shows. California is not known for its affordability, but exactly how much it takes for a single person to live comfortably here might surprise you.
Is 80k a good salary? ›
$80,000 is about $5,000 higher than the U.S. median household income, so many people would consider it very good for a single person. “Good” is always a relative term when it comes to salary; whether or not the amount you earn covers your expenses is a highly personal dynamic.
Is 70k low income? ›
These income limits are also dependent on the number of people in each household. For example, while a single-person household in LA County is considered low-income at about $70,000 a year, a four-person household has a limit around $100,000.
Is 100k considered low income in California? ›
In five California cities, a $100,000 median household income is considered lower-middle class, according to a Feb.
How much do you need to make to live in Orange County? ›
Living Wage Calculation for Orange County, California
| 1 ADULT |
|---|
| 0 Children | 2 Children |
|---|
| Living Wage | $30.48 | $65.38 |
| Poverty Wage | $7.24 | $12.41 |
| Minimum Wage | $16.00 | $16.00 |
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four in Orange County would need to earn $114,841 per year to afford to live in the area. This is what your monthly expenses would look like when living in the county.
In 2022, Orange County, CA had a population of 3.18M people with a median age of 38.7 and a median household income of $109,361. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Orange County, CA declined from 3.18M to 3.18M, a −0.242% decrease and its median household income grew from $100,485 to $109,361, a 8.83% increase.
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024? ›
The Medi-Cal program for people ages 65 and older or who are disabled has an income limit of $1,732 (as of April 2024). For applicants with income over that amount, they may still be eligible with a shared monthly cost (formerly known as a share of cost).
What yearly salary is considered poor? ›
According to the most recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty threshold for a family of four is $29,960. For an individual, the poverty threshold is $14,891.
What qualifies as low income in California? ›
Very-Low, Low and Moderate-Income Limits
| Household Size | Very-Low Income | Low-Income |
|---|
| 1 | $11,550 or less | $11,551 - $19,300 |
| 2 | $13,200 or less | $13,201 - $22,050 |
| 3 | $14,900 or less | $14,901 - $24,800 |
| 4 | $16,550 or less | $16,551 - $27,550 |
4 more rowsWell, it depends. A $40,000 salary may be sufficient for an individual in a low-cost area, but it may not be enough for a family to live comfortably in most parts of the US. Rising inflation has made it more challenging to live on a $40,000 salary, but it still exceeds the poverty threshold for families.
How do you classify low income? ›
These guidelines are adjusted each year for inflation. In 2023, the federal poverty level definition of low income for a single-person household is $14,580 annually. Each additional person in the household adds $5,140 to the total. For example, the poverty guideline is $30,000 per year for a family of four.
How do I qualify for low income housing in California? ›
To be eligible for the program, a family's gross annual income must be below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in Los Angeles County. Seventy-five percent of new admissions must have gross annual incomes at or below 30% of the AMI. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the AMI yearly.
What is a low class household income? ›
Where you rank by income. According to the Census Bureau's Income in the United States: 2022 report, the median household income is $74,580 (a 2.3% decline from 2021), while household income levels for each class level are as follows: Lower class: less than or equal to $30,000. Lower-middle class: $30,001 – $58,020.
