What is Area Median Income?
Area Median Income (AMI) is a measure of the median (or middle) income for a specific geographic area. It is a key metric in the housing industry, used to evaluate housing affordability and determine eligibility for various housing programs.
Why Is AMI Important?
AMI is important because it helps to:
Determine housing affordability: It provides benchmarks for what is considered affordable in a given area.
Qualify for housing programs: Many assistance programs use AMI to set income eligibility limits.
Set rent limits: It guides the maximum allowable rents for affordable housing units.
How is AMI Calculated?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates AMI annually for regions across the country. These calculations are based on local income data and are adjusted by household size.
AMI in Eagle County
In Eagle County, AMI is published by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) using the most recent data from HUD. Below is a breakdown of AMI by household size:
HUD Effective Date: May 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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AMI figures are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reflect changes in local economic conditions and inflation.
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Housing programs are typically based on a percentage of AMI, commonly 30%, 50%, 60%, 80%, 100%, or 120%. In Eagle County, which is classified as a rural resort area, some programs may serve households earning up to 160% of AMI.
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These percentages represent your household income relative to the median for the area. For example, if the 100% AMI for your household size is $100,000, then earning $80,000 would place you at 80% AMI.
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Compare your total gross annual household income to the AMI limits for your household size. This will show which AMI bracket (for example, 60% or 80%) you fall into.
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Household income generally includes wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, pensions, and other regular sources of income for all household members.
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Yes. AMI is adjusted based on the number of people in a household, since larger households typically require more income to maintain the same standard of living.
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A household typically includes everyone living in the home as their primary residence, regardless of whether they are related. The income of all adults is generally counted when determining eligibility.
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AMI helps ensure that housing assistance is directed to individuals and families who need it most, based on their income relative to the local community.