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Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Merced, CA

27 affordable buildings in Merced · 3 ZIP codes

Merced, CA has 27 income-restricted buildings across 3 ZIP codes: 21 tax credit, 2 public housing, 3 Section 8, 2 senior, and 1 usda rural. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.

In Merced

Programs in Merced

  • Tax credit21 buildings
  • Public housing2 buildings
  • Section 83 buildings
  • Seniors2 buildings
  • USDA rural1 building

ZIP codes in Merced

Nearby cities

Housing authorities

Public housing in Merced is run by these agencies. Apply with them, not at the building.

Rents and income limits in 95341

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,460/mo
Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
$58,400/yr
Renters in 95341 paying 30% or more of income on rent
54%

Income limits (2026)

Merced, CA area · median family income $75,800. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.

PeopleExtremely low 30%Very low 50%Low 80%
1$20,450$34,000$54,400
2$23,350$38,850$62,200
3$27,320$43,700$69,950
4$33,000$48,550$77,700
5$38,680$52,450$83,950
6$44,360$56,350$90,150
7$50,040$60,250$96,350
8$55,720$64,100$102,600

Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.

Fair market rents (2027)

HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.

Size95341Wider area
Studio$1,150$1,200
1 bedroom$1,210$1,262
2 bedrooms$1,460$1,517
3 bedrooms$2,010$2,087
4 bedrooms$2,380$2,477

Wider area = Merced, CA. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 4 nearby ZIPs range from $1,360 (95317) to $1,420 (95301).

Census figures for 95341 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,242. Median household income $57,342. 62% of homes are rented. 54% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 27% pay half or more.

Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.

Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.

Estimate your Section 8 rent share

Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 95341's fair market rent.

Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 95341

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there Section 8 housing in Merced, CA?

Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Merced, CA, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.

Do affordable housing buildings in Merced, CA have openings?

These lists for Merced, CA don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.

How do I apply for affordable housing in Merced, CA?

Use the phone number on each building card in Merced, CA. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.

What counts as affordable housing in Merced, CA?

In Merced, CA, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.

How many affordable housing buildings are in Merced, CA?

This directory lists 27 income-restricted buildings in Merced, CA. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.

Which ZIP codes in Merced have affordable housing?

Income-restricted buildings in Merced are listed in 95341 (19), 95348 (6), 95340 (2).

Where do I apply for public housing in Merced?

Public housing in Merced is run by County of Merced Housing Authority. Apply with that agency, not at the building. For project-based Section 8 and tax-credit apartments, call the phone number on the building card.

People Also Ask

How do I qualify for affordable housing in Merced, CA?

Most income-restricted buildings in Merced, CA serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $34,000, and $48,550 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($54,400 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.

What is the income limit for low-income housing in Merced, CA?

For many programs in Merced, CA, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $34,000 a year for 1 person and $48,550 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $54,400 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Merced, CA?

There is no single waiting list for Merced, CA. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.

What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in Merced, CA?

Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists public housing, project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Merced, CA. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.

How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Merced, CA?

In public housing and most Section 8 in Merced, CA, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Merced, CA is $1,460 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in Merced, CA?

A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Merced, CA. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.

Is there senior affordable housing in Merced, CA?

Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Merced, CA. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.

Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026; USDA Rural Development multifamily, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.

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