Low Income Apartments and Affordable Housing For Rent in Sacramento, CA (2024)

FAQs

How much is low income in Sacramento? ›

Single resident households in Sacramento earning less than $60,050 annually are considered low income residents, according to the 2023 State Income Limits report posted in June.

“Affordable housing cost” for lower-income households is defined in State law as not more than 30 percent of gross household income with variations (Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5). The comparable federal limit, more widely used, is 30 percent of gross income, with variations.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), in 2021, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in California was $2,030. In order to afford this level of rent and utilities — without paying more than 30% of income on housing — a household must earn $6,766 monthly, or $81,191 annually.

Affordable Housing Fee

050 of the Sacramento County Code, will be updated annually. The current fee is $3.66 per habitable square foot of each market rate unit. The fee as of March 28, 2024​ will increase 2.45% to $3.75 per habitable square foot of each market rate unit.

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.

To apply for low-income housing with no waiting list in California, you can contact your local housing authority or a non-profit housing organization. Each program may have different eligibility requirements and application processes, so it's important to contact the specific program for more information.

Being on a waiting list is common, so don't be discouraged. Stay patient and keep your contact information updated with the PHA to ensure you receive notifications. After submitting an application, it can take several months to a few years to get approved for Section 8 in California.

Seven of the ten counties in California with the lowest per capita incomes are located in the Central Valley. Two of the remaining three are rural counties in Northern California. This leaves Imperial County, which shares California's portion of the U.S.-Mexico border with San Diego County.

What's the most rent for income housing? ›

California residents need to earn an hourly wage of $38.26 to afford rent for a one-bedroom apartment or house, which costs $1,989 on average. To afford a three-bedroom rental for about $3,240 a month, renters in the Golden State would need to earn $62.30 per hour.

Single resident households in Sacramento earning less than $60,050 annually are considered low income residents, according to the 2023 State Income Limits report posted in June.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The voucher is used to pay the landlord the difference between the full rent and the amount that is affordable to the tenant. The HCV program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and run by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in local communities.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is one of the cheapest place to rent in California with an average home rent of $1,894. It also offers affordable healthcare, which is 14% lower than the state average. This Central Valley hub is also known for its booming agricultural industry and unique Basque culinary scene.

The poverty level for a family of 3 is $15,020. The cost of living in Sacramento is approximately 15% higher than the national average,2 so the poverty level for Sacramento is $17,273. The wage sufficient for a family of three with one full time worker to reach this poverty line is $8.64.

That means about 5 million Californians remain below the poverty line of about $39,900 a year for a family of four, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

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.

The Poverty Threshold in 2024

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses the Census Bureau threshold to determine who is eligible for certain government assistance programs, like SNAP (food stamps). Under their guidelines, a family of four is considered impoverished if they earn $30,000 or less per year.