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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Washington

Washington, DC has 310 income-based rental properties with nearly 37,775 affordable units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,954 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), affordable housing options here provide meaningful relief in a high-cost city. The vast majority of properties have been inspected and scored, giving renters a strong foundation for making informed choices.

310
Properties
37,775
Total units
83/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,954/mo

Affordability

Washington, DC has a median monthly rent of $1,954 and a median household income of $109,870, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 58% of residents renting their homes, the city has a large renter population, making access to income-based and HUD-assisted housing an important resource for many households.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
936 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Washington Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 936 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies classify and report incidents.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 96 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Washington, DC

The area around assisted properties in Washington scores very high for walkability, transit, and biking, according to Walk Score.

  • Walk Score: 96 -- Walker's Paradise. Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
  • Transit Score: 85 -- Excellent Transit. Transit is convenient for most trips.
  • Bike Score: 99. Biking is an exceptional option for getting around.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
246 schools · 64 districts

Schools

Washington, DC is served by 246 schools across 64 districts, including 155 elementary, 42 middle, 47 high, and 2 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 applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$109,870 median income

Cost of Living

Washington, DC is one of the more expensive rental markets in the country. According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median household income in the city is $109,870 per year, while the median monthly rent is $1,954 -- a significant share of take-home pay for many residents.

Affordable and income-based housing can make a real difference here. The 13,185 income-restricted units across 99 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties in Washington offer renters access to below-market rents tied to household income rather than prevailing market rates.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

Of the 99 HUD-assisted properties mapped for flood risk in Washington, DC, only 1 falls in a high-risk flood zone. Flood exposure across this portfolio is very low overall.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 83/100(98 of 310 scored)
90+ (54)70–89 (31)60–69 (3)<60 (10)No score (212)

310 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 310 affordable apartments in Washington→

Your rights & resources

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

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is one of the most renter-heavy cities in the country, with 58 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Against a citywide median rent of $1,954 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), the 99 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties tracked on Lease Lantern -- totaling 13,185 units -- represent a critical resource for residents seeking affordable options.

Of the 98 properties with inspection scores on file, 54 earned an excellent rating and 31 earned a good rating, signaling that the majority of assisted housing in DC is well-maintained. Only 10 properties fell into the poor category, and just 1 of the 99 mapped properties carries a high flood risk.

Getting around Washington without a car is highly practical. The city holds a Walk Score of 96 ("Walker's Paradise"), a Transit Score of 85 ("Excellent Transit"), and a Bike Score of 99, all according to Walk Score.

On public safety, the Washington Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 936 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. Prospective renters are encouraged to research specific neighborhoods when evaluating properties.

Washington's public school landscape includes 246 schools across 64 districts -- among them 155 elementary schools, 42 middle schools, and 47 high schools -- according to the NCES Common Core of Data.

A Closer Look at Washington, DC

Eligibility & how to apply

Washington, D.C. income limits (2026)Washington, D.C. public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Washington, D.C.

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 →