Watauga County, NC Income Limits (2026)
These are HUD’s 2026 income limits for Watauga County, NC (area median income $86,900). They determine who qualifies for income-based and affordable housing — Section 8 vouchers, public housing, Section 202/811, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units — by household size.
Watauga County, NC’s area median income of $86,900 ranks #27 of 83 HUD income-limit areas in North Carolina, where area medians range from $59,300 to $132,300.
| Household size | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $18,850 | $31,400 | $50,250 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,900 | $57,400 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,350 | $64,600 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $44,800 | $71,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,450 | $77,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,000 | $83,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $55,600 | $88,950 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $59,150 | $94,650 |
Across household sizes, the Very Low Income (50%) threshold in Watauga County, NC runs from $31,400 for a single person up to $59,150 for an eight-person household. The Low Income (80%) limit — used by many LIHTC and workforce units — reaches $94,650 for a household of eight. These limits apply to Watauga County.
Do you qualify?
Most income-based programs cap eligibility at the Very Low Income (50%) level, and the deepest assistance — public housing and most Section 8 vouchers — targets households at or below Extremely Low Income (30%). LIHTC and other affordable units commonly use the Low Income (80%) threshold. For example, a household of four in Watauga County, NC generally qualifies for income-based housing if it earns under $44,800, and for the deepest assistance under $33,000.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for a family of four in Watauga County, NC?
A four-person household generally qualifies at or below $44,800 (Very Low Income), with the deepest assistance under $33,000 (Extremely Low Income) and LIHTC units commonly at $71,700 (Low Income).
What is the income limit for one person in Watauga County, NC?
A single-person household qualifies for most income-based programs at or below $31,400, and for the deepest assistance under $18,850.
Counties covered: Watauga County.
Find income-based housing in this area
Nearby North Carolina income-limit areas
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FY2026 Income Limits. Limits are updated annually and may be adjusted for high-cost areas.