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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has 630 affordable and income-based rental properties with more than 25,000 units across the city, making it one of the larger assisted housing markets in the region. With a median rent of $1,397 per month (Census ACS 5-Year) and nearly half of residents renting, access to income-based housing can make a real difference here. This guide covers what renters need to know about available properties, inspections, and neighborhood conditions.

500
Properties
16,578
Total units
88/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,397/mo

Affordability in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia has a median household income of $61,953 and a median gross rent of $1,397 per month, meaning many residents face a tight gap between earnings and housing costs. Nearly half of all households -- 48% -- rent their homes, reflecting strong demand for affordable options across the city. (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)

Lease Lantern tracks 175 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 12,906 units in Philadelphia, spanning programs such as Section 8, HUD-assisted, and LIHTC housing.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
917 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Philadelphia Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 917 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies define and report crimes.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 57 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Philadelphia

Scores below reflect the area around assisted properties in Philadelphia, according to Walk Score.

  • Walk Score: 57 / 100 -- Somewhat Walkable
  • Transit Score: 75 / 100 -- Excellent Transit
  • Bike Score: 57 / 100
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
304 schools · 85 districts

Schools

Philadelphia is served by 304 public schools across 85 districts, including 194 elementary, 18 middle, and 90 high schools, plus 2 other campuses, according to the NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$61,953 median income

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's median household income is $61,953 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median asking rent citywide is $1,397 per month, according to the same source, which helps illustrate why income-restricted housing can make a significant difference for many renters here.

  • Median household income: $61,953/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,397/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 48% of Philadelphia residents rent their homes (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • HUD-assisted and income-restricted units: 12,906 across 175 properties tracked on Lease Lantern

Nearly half of Philadelphia residents are renters, and the 12,906 income-restricted units listed here represent an important resource for households seeking housing within their budget.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

Flood risk is low across Philadelphia's HUD-assisted properties. Of the 175 properties mapped, only 4 fall within a high-risk flood zone according to flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 88/100(109 of 500 scored)
90+ (59)70–89 (46)60–69 (3)<60 (1)No score (391)

500 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 500 affordable apartments in Philadelphia→

Other cities in PA

› Affordable housing in Aliquippa› Allentown income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Altoona› Bethlehem affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Butler› Affordable housing in Erie› Greensburg income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Harrisburg› Lancaster affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Mckeesport› Affordable housing in Meadville› New Castle income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

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

Read more

Philadelphia Affordable Housing: What to Know

Philadelphia is one of the largest rental markets in the Northeast, with 48 percent of residents renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. A median market rent of $1,397 per month and a median household income of $61,953 per year mean that affordable and income-based housing options play a meaningful role in the city.

Lease Lantern tracks 175 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Philadelphia, covering 12,906 units across the city.

Property Conditions

Of the 154 Philadelphia properties with HUD inspection scores, 86 earned an Excellent rating and 60 earned a Good rating, according to HUD inspection data. Only 4 properties scored in the Fair range and 4 in the Poor range, suggesting that the large majority of assisted housing here meets solid physical standards.

Flood Risk

Of the 175 mapped properties, 4 fall within a high-risk flood zone. Renters considering those specific buildings should ask management about flood insurance and emergency procedures before signing a lease.

Getting Around

Philadelphia earns a transit score of 75 (Excellent Transit) and a walk score of 57 (Somewhat Walkable), according to Walk Score. Strong public transit options can be a real advantage for residents who rely on buses or rail to reach work, school, and services.

Schools

The city is served by 304 public schools -- including 194 elementary, 18 middle, and 90 high schools -- across 85 districts, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Public Safety

Philadelphia recorded a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer and reported by the Philadelphia Police Department. Rates can vary significantly by neighborhood, so we encourage renters to look closely at the specific area they are considering.

Eligibility & how to apply

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

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 →