Area Median Income Virginia: What It Means for Housing and Eligibility

When you hear Area Median Income, the midpoint income for a specific region, used to determine eligibility for housing assistance programs. Also known as AMI, it's the number that decides whether you qualify for Section 8, public housing, or rent subsidies in Virginia. It’s not just a number on a spreadsheet—it’s the gatekeeper to affordable homes for thousands of families.

Virginia doesn’t have a single AMI. It changes by county and household size. In Fairfax County, a family of four earning $120,000 might still be considered low-income. In rural areas like Buchanan County, that same income puts you well above the median. The Section 8 income limit, the maximum earnings allowed to qualify for federal housing vouchers in Virginia is based directly on AMI—usually 50% or 80% of it. If you’re trying to get help, you’re not just checking your salary—you’re checking where you live, how many people are in your home, and whether your income falls under the local AMI threshold.

And it’s not just about getting in. It’s about staying eligible. A raise at work, a side gig, or even a child turning 18 can push you over the line. That’s why so many people in Virginia ask: What happens if I make too much? The answer? You don’t automatically lose your home. But you might lose your subsidy. And if you’re renting in a building that accepts Section 8, your landlord might not be able to raise your rent as much as they want—because Virginia rent cap, the state law that bans local rent control, but still ties rent increases to market trends and AMI-based programs keeps things in check for tenants in subsidized units.

It’s also why criminal records, evictions, and immigration status matter. Even if your income is under the AMI, other rules can block you from public housing. The system isn’t just about money—it’s about risk, history, and paperwork. That’s why posts on public housing Virginia, government-funded rental programs for low-income families in Virginia often dive into disqualifiers, not just income numbers.

You’ll find real examples below: how much you can earn and still qualify in Richmond vs. Roanoke, what counts as income (yes, even child support), how often the numbers change, and what to do if you’re just over the limit. These aren’t theoretical guidelines—they’re the rules people live by every day when they’re trying to keep a roof over their heads.