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Six Figures Is Now Considered Low Income Across SoCal
A person earning around $100,000 per year may still struggle to afford rent or buy a home in parts of Southern California. The new 2026 California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) income limits show just how expensive Southern California has become.
In several counties, households earning more than $100,000 per year can now be classified as “low income” for affordable housing programs. These income limits are based on a percentage of the local Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by household size and county.
Why are six-figure incomes considered “low income”?
California defines “low income” for many housing programs as earning up to 80% of the area’s median income (AMI). Because housing costs have skyrocketed throughout Southern California, the income thresholds have increased significantly.
2026 Southern California Low-Income Limits
(1-person household and 4-person household thresholds)
| County | 1-Person Household | 4-Person Household |
|---|---|---|
| Orange County | $104,200 | $148,850 |
| Los Angeles County | $93,300 | $133,250 |
| San Bernardino County | $102,000 | $145,700 |
| Riverside County | $98,400 | $145,700 |
| Ventura County | $87,950 | $125,600 |
Area Median Income (AMI) for a Family of Four
- Orange County: $138,600
- Ventura County: $135,600
- Los Angeles County: $108,100
- Riverside County: $106,500
- San Bernardino County: $106,500
What this means
A person earning around $100,000 per year may still struggle to afford rent or buy a home in parts of Southern California:
- In Orange County, a single person earning $104,200 can qualify for some income-restricted housing programs.
- In Los Angeles County, a family of four earning $133,250 may still be considered low income.
- In Riverside and San Bernardino counties, families earning approximately $145,700 can also fall into the low-income category for housing purposes.
Why the numbers keep rising
Southern California continues to face:
- Rapid increases in home prices
- High apartment rents
- Limited housing supply
- Rising insurance, utility, and living costs
These economic pressures have pushed income benchmarks higher each year, leading to the unusual situation where some six-figure earners now qualify as “low income” for affordable housing programs.
