80% AMI Housing Lotteries NYC
Affordable housing for households earning 61–80% of Area Median Income — 2026 HUD income limits, typical rents, and how to find open lotteries.
2026 Income Limits — 80% AMI
Maximum annual household income to qualify for 80% AMI lotteries (NYC metro area, 2026 HUD data). Income from all adult household members is counted.
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,600 |
| 2 persons | $86,400 |
| 3 persons | $97,200 |
| 4 persons | $107,900 |
| 5 persons | $116,600 |
| 6 persons | $125,300 |
Limits are based on 2026 HUD income data for the New York metro area. Some lotteries set minimums as well as maximums — always verify on NYC Housing Connect. View full AMI table →
About 80% AMI Affordable Housing
80% AMI is HUD's upper boundary for the "Low Income" classification, and it covers a broad range of working New Yorkers. In 2026, a single person earning up to $75,600 or a family of four earning up to $107,900 qualifies at this level. Units at 80% AMI include many offered through Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) in market-rate developments, meaning the building might be a luxury tower with a percentage of affordable units mixed in. Rents at 80% AMI — while technically "affordable" — are higher than at lower bands, reflecting the higher income ceiling. The eligible pool at 80% AMI is large, but applicants often find less competition than at 60% AMI because fewer are aware they qualify.
Who Typically Qualifies
Dual-income households, working families, mid-level professionals, and city employees earning $45,000–$75,600 (1 person) or $65,000–$107,900 (family of four) are common applicants at 80% AMI.
Programs That Include 80% AMI Units
- NYC Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) — Workforce Option
- HPD 421-a (Workforce)
- NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Mixed-Income
- 80/20 Program (market buildings)
Strategy for 80% AMI Applicants
Many New Yorkers earning $60,000–$100,000 assume they earn too much for affordable housing. At 80% AMI, you likely qualify for more lotteries than you realize. Run the AMI calculator with your full household income (not just yours) before ruling yourself out.
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