What is area median income (AMI)?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development establishes area median income annually for each metropolitan statistical area, including the Dallas-Fort Worth region. This figure represents the midpoint income for a household of a given size in the area. Landlords and property managers use AMI to determine which tenants qualify for income-restricted or affordably priced units.

Affordability is typically defined in terms of AMI percentages. A unit restricted to households earning no more than 60% of AMI accommodates lower-income renters. Units at 80% of AMI serve moderate-income households. Some developments layer different affordability levels, particularly those receiving tax credits or government subsidies. The actual income limits are calculated based on household size, so a four-person household has a different threshold than a single individual.

For apartment seekers in Dallas-Fort Worth, understanding AMI matters when evaluating your eligibility for income-restricted apartments. Property managers will request income documentation and verify that your household meets the specified AMI cap. Income limits change year to year as HUD updates the benchmark, so a unit that was within your reach last year may shift out of range or become available to your income level depending on the new annual calculation.