What Is 80% AMI in San Luis Obispo County, California?
The Area Median Income in San Luis Obispo County is $120,900 for a family of four, meaning 80% AMI is $111,300 and 50% AMI is $69,500.
2025 AMI Breakdown — San Luis Obispo County
| AMI Tier | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% AMI | $29,200 | $33,400 | $37,550 | $41,700 | $45,050 | $48,400 | $51,750 | $55,050 |
| 50% AMI | $48,650 | $55,600 | $62,550 | $69,500 | $75,050 | $80,650 | $86,200 | $91,750 |
| 60% AMI | $50,800 | $58,050 | $65,300 | $72,550 | $78,350 | $84,150 | $89,950 | $95,750 |
| 80% AMI | $77,950 | $89,050 | $100,200 | $111,300 | $120,250 | $129,150 | $138,050 | $146,950 |
| 100% AMI | $84,650 | $96,700 | $108,800 | $120,900 | $130,550 | $140,250 | $149,900 | $159,600 |
| 120% AMI | $101,550 | $116,050 | $130,550 | $145,100 | $156,700 | $168,300 | $179,900 | $191,500 |
30%, 50%, and 80% AMI figures are published directly by HUD. The 60%, 100%, and 120% AMI tiers are derived from the median income using HUD's standard household size adjustment factors. This product uses the HUD User Data API but is not endorsed or certified by HUD User.
Program Eligibility at Each AMI Threshold
$41,700
Extremely Low Income
Priority for public housing and project-based Section 8.
4-person household
$69,500
Very Low Income
Eligible for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).
4-person household
$72,550
LIHTC Threshold
Maximum income for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units.
4-person household
$111,300
Low Income
Eligible for HOME Investment Partnership grants.
4-person household
80% AMI by Household Size
How the 80% AMI limit scales from a single-person household to an 8-person household in San Luis Obispo County. Find where your household size lands.
How San Luis Obispo County Compares
Local AMI (4-person)
$120,900
San Luis Obispo County
Statewide AMI (4-person)
$118,100
California
National Median (2024)
$96,300
National
San Luis Obispo County sits above the national average — the local AMI of $120,900 is higher than the national median of $96,300 and also exceeds the California statewide figure of $118,100. Residents earning between 50% and 80% AMI have access to a reasonable range of affordable housing options, though competition for subsidized units may be moderate given the area's income profile.
Rent Affordability in San Luis Obispo County
Using the standard 30% rule — a household should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing — here's the maximum affordable monthly rent at each AMI tier for a 4-person household.
30% AMI
$1,043/mo
Based on $41,700 annual income
50% AMI
$1,738/mo
Based on $69,500 annual income
80% AMI
$2,783/mo
Based on $111,300 annual income
The 30% Rule:HUD defines a household as "cost-burdened" when it spends more than 30% of gross income on housing costs (rent plus utilities). Households exceeding 50% are considered "severely cost-burdened." In San Luis Obispo County, a family of four earning exactly at 50% AMI ($69,500) should aim to keep total housing costs below $1,738 per month to avoid cost burden.
Who Uses This Data
Renters
"Am I eligible for affordable housing in San Luis Obispo County?" If your household income falls below the 50% or 80% AMI threshold shown above, you may qualify for Section 8 vouchers, LIHTC apartments, or other subsidized housing programs in the area.
Developers
"Does this market support LIHTC underwriting?" The 60% AMI limit in San Luis Obispo County sets the maximum tenant income for tax credit units. Higher AMI areas generally support stronger rent levels within LIHTC compliance, improving project feasibility.
Caseworkers & Planners
"What programs can my clients access?" Use the AMI breakdown for San Luis Obispo County to quickly determine which federal, state, and local housing programs a household qualifies for based on family size and income level.
What These Numbers Mean For You
In San Luis Obispo County, the 2025 Area Median Income of $120,900 places this area above the national benchmark. Because AMI thresholds are set locally, residents here face higher income limits for program qualification — a household earning $111,300 qualifies as Low Income (80% AMI), while the same income in a lower-cost market would likely exceed the cutoff.
For renters, this creates a dual reality: the income limits are more generous, but market rents are typically higher too. A family at exactly 50% AMI ($69,500) can afford roughly $1,738/month under the 30% rule — whether that covers available units in San Luis Obispo County depends on local rental market conditions.
For buyers and developers, the higher AMI supports stronger underwriting. LIHTC projects in San Luis Obispo County can set maximum rents based on the 60% AMI threshold ($72,550 for a 4-person household), which in a higher-AMI market translates to more financially viable affordable housing developments.