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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Oakland

Oakland has 164 income-based rental properties with more than 12,600 units across the city, offering meaningful options in a market where the median rent runs $1,979 per month (Census ACS 5-Year). With 58 percent of residents renting, affordable housing plays a central role here, and the majority of scored properties in Oakland earn an excellent rating.

164
Properties
12,611
Total units
94/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,979/mo

Affordability

Oakland's median household income is $101,600 and the median monthly rent is $1,979, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 58% of residents renting their homes, demand for affordable and income-based housing in the city is significant.

  • Lease Lantern tracks 52 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Oakland, offering a total of 4,634 subsidized units.
Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,925 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Oakland Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,925 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 91 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Oakland

The area around assisted properties in Oakland scores well across all three mobility categories, according to Walk Score.

  • Walk Score: 91 - Walker's Paradise. Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
  • Transit Score: 64 - Good Transit. Many trips are possible by public transit.
  • Bike Score: 82. Biking is a convenient option for many residents.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
129 schools · 40 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, Oakland is served by 129 schools across 40 districts, including 69 elementary, 16 middle, 35 high schools, and 9 other schools. Ratings and options vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$101,600 median income

Cost of Renting in Oakland

Oakland is a high-cost rental market. The median asking rent in Oakland is $1,979 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024). The median household income is $101,600 per year, also from Census ACS 5-Year (as of 2024).

HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC housing can offer significantly lower rents for income-qualified households. Oakland has 52 income-based properties covering 4,634 units tracked on Lease Lantern.

  • Median market rent: $1,979/month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Median household income: $101,600/year (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Share of households that rent: 58% (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
  • Affordable housing units tracked: 4,634 across 52 properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 52 HUD-assisted properties in Oakland were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 94/100(50 of 164 scored)
90+ (41)70–89 (9)No score (114)

164 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 164 affordable apartments in Oakland→

Other cities in CA

› Affordable housing in Bakersfield› Berkeley income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Compton› Fresno affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Long Beach› Affordable housing in Los Angeles› Palmdale income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Pasadena› Redding affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Reseda› Affordable housing in Sacramento› San Bernardino income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in CA› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

A Closer Look at Affordable Housing in Oakland

Oakland is a majority-renter city, with 58 percent of households renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With a citywide median rent of $1,979 per month and a median household income of $101,600, the gap between market-rate housing and what many residents can afford makes income-restricted housing a critical resource here.

Lease Lantern tracks 52 HUD-assisted and income-based properties across Oakland, totaling 4,634 units. Of the 50 properties with available inspection scores, 41 earned an excellent rating and 9 earned a good rating -- with no properties falling into fair or poor categories, according to HUD inspection data. None of the 52 mapped properties carry a high flood risk.

Oakland is highly walkable and bikeable. According to Walk Score, the city earns a 91 ("Walker's Paradise") for walkability, an 82 for bikeability, and a 64 ("Good Transit") for transit access -- all meaningful factors for residents who rely on affordable housing and public transportation together.

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Oakland recorded a violent crime rate of 479 per 100,000 residents in 2024, as reported by the Oakland Police Department.

Eligibility & how to apply

California income limits (2026)California public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in California

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →