NYC Income Limits Guide
Understand AMI percentages and how they determine eligibility for affordable housing lotteries
What is AMI?
Area Median Income explained
Area Median Income (AMI) represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the NYC metro area. Housing agencies publish AMI tables every year.
Housing lotteries typically target AMI bands such as 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%, 100%, or 130%. Each band corresponds to a specific dollar range per household size.
Common AMI Ranges
30% - 50% AMI
Reserved for extremely and very low-income households. These lotteries have the lowest rents but also the strictest income caps.
Lowest rents available
Strictest income limits
60% AMI
The most common NYC lottery band. Many mixed-income developments advertise 60% AMI units for each bedroom size.
Most common band
Mixed-income buildings
80% - 100% AMI
Designed for moderate-income households. Rents are higher but still below market-rate listings in the same neighborhood.
Moderate income range
Below market-rate
120% - 130% AMI
Less common but helpful for middle-income households that earn too much for traditional lottery ranges.
Middle-income families
Alternative option
How to Check Your Eligibility
Follow these steps to determine your AMI band
Calculate Household Income
Add up gross annual income (before taxes) for everyone who will live in the apartment.
Count All Household Members
Count every household member, even if they do not earn income, to determine the correct AMI row.
Match to AMI Tables
Match your income to the AMI tables listed in the lottery to confirm you fall within the posted min/max range.
Use Our Calculator
Use our AMI calculator to see which bands you match and what lotteries you should target.
Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
Use our free AMI calculator to determine which income bands you qualify for and discover matching lotteries.
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