Over half of metropolitan renters earn below 80% of Area Median Income—yet most don't realize they may qualify. Here's how to check your eligibility.
Over half of metropolitan renters in Washington State earn below 80% of Area Median Income. That means millions of people may qualify for income-restricted housing—and most of them don't know it. Here's how to check.
Step 1: Find your household's gross income
Start with your total pre-tax household income from all sources—wages, self-employment, benefits, and child support all count. If you have roommates or family members on the lease, include their income too.
Step 2: Know your household size
Income limits scale with household size. A single person and a family of four are measured against different thresholds, even for the same program.
Step 3: Look up the current AMI limits for King County
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes AMI limits annually. For 2026, the King County median income for a family of four is approximately $135,000. Programs typically cap eligibility at 50%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of that number.
Step 4: Match your income to available programs
At or below 50% AMI: Likely eligible for LIHTC and some Section 8 properties
At or below 60% AMI: Eligible for most LIHTC developments
At or below 80% AMI: Eligible for many MFTE units across Seattle and the Eastside
At or below 100% AMI: Eligible for select MFTE and MHA units
Step 5: Search listings that match your eligibility
This is where most people get stuck—cross-referencing income limits across dozens of properties and programs. Roost Affordable does this work for you, showing you listings filtered by AMI level so you only see what you actually qualify for.
You may be closer to qualifying than you think. Start your search today.