What is AMI? And Why You Need to Know It
Posted By Regional Development
September 14, 2021
Salt Lake County receives multiple grants per year that fund programs like Lead-Safe Housing, Green and Healthy Homes, and pandemic Emergency Rental Assistance.
Every year the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) releases income guidelines that affect which residents in Salt Lake County qualify for all kinds of program services.
It is common that free (or reduced rate services) can only be for Salt Lake County residents that earn wages at or below the area’s average median income by a certain percentage, which can get confusing.
Why is it important for you to know?
Area Median Income or AMI can determine what kinds of services you or your family can receive if you need assistance. For Fiscal Year 2021, the median family income in Salt Lake County is estimated to be $92,900, based off U.S. Census data.
The table below shows three tiers of income limits set by HUD for Salt Lake County residents, depending on how many people are in your house. They are grouped by:
-
Extremely Low: Family income is 30% or below of Salt Lake County’s median family income or federal poverty guidelines.
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Very Low: Family income is 50% or below of Salt Lake County’s median family income.
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Low: Family income is 80% or below Salt Lake County’s median family income.
Calculate your Income Category
Your family’s size is important to calculating and understanding your income limits.
| Income Limit Category | Persons in Family | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| Very Low (50%) Income Limits ($) | 32,300 | 36,900 | 41,500 | 46,100 | 49,800 | 53,500 | 57,200 | 60,900 |
| Extremely Low Income Limits ($)* | 19,400 | 22,150 | 24,900 | 27,650 | 31,040 | 35,580 | 40,120 | 44,660 |
| Low (80%) Income Limits ($) | 51,650 | 59,000 | 66,400 | 73,750 | 79,650 | 85,550 | 91,450 | 97,350 |
Know where your household’s income guidelines stand and contact 2-1-1 for resources if you could use help getting groceries, rental assistance, childcare, and more.
Salt Lake County Programs you may be eligible for:
- Rental Assistance: Individuals or families 80% or below AMI are eligible for past due/current/future rent payments if you've been impacted by COVID-19.
Apply at https://rentrelief.utah.gov. - Green & Healthy Homes: Homeowners who earn 80% or less of AMI can receive assistance on home improvements to increase quality of life and reduce health problems.
- Lead Safe Housing: Get help replacing paint, windows, and more contaminated with lead if you fall below 80% AMI and live in a home built before 1978.
Apply: https://slco.org/lead-safe-housing/qualify-for-free-services/apply/