Affordable & Income-Based Housing in San Francisco

Affordability

San Francisco has a median gross rent of $2,476 per month and a median household income of $140,970, with 62% of residents renting their homes, according to the Census ACS 5-Year (2024). The city's high market rents make income-restricted housing a critical resource for renters seeking stable, cost-limited options.

Safety

According to the San Francisco Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, San Francisco had a violent crime rate of 596 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around San Francisco

The assisted properties tracked on this page score exceptionally well for walkability and transit access, according to Walk Score.

• Walk Score: 99 - Walker's Paradise - nearly all errands can be accomplished on foot.
• Transit Score: 100 - Rider's Paradise - world-class public transit options are available.
• Bike Score: 100 - biking is an exceptional option for getting around.

These scores reflect conditions in the neighborhoods surrounding the assisted properties listed here, per Walk Score.

Schools

San Francisco is served by 132 schools across 17 districts, including 81 elementary, 16 middle, 28 high schools, and 7 other schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a housing decision.

Cost of Living

San Francisco is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. The citywide median rent is $2,476 per month and the median household income is $140,970 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Affordable and income-based housing can make a significant difference for renters here.

• Citywide median rent: $2,476/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median household income: $140,970/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renters: 62% of households rent (Census ACS 5-Year)
• HUD-assisted units available: 10,687 across 112 properties

Income-based housing in San Francisco typically caps rent as a percentage of your household income, which can provide meaningful relief against the city's high market-rate costs.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 112 HUD-assisted properties in San Francisco were mapped for flood risk, and none fall in a high-risk flood zone according to that data. Renters at these properties face minimal FEMA-designated flood exposure based on current mapping.