Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Tempe, AZ 85281
7 affordable buildings in 85281 · 69 more within 6 mi
Tempe, AZ 85281 has 7 income-restricted buildings: 7 tax credit, 1 Section 8, and 2 senior. 69 more are listed within 6 miles. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
In 85281
Desert Willow Apartments (fka Arizona Sun Apartments)
1895 E. Don Carlos Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281
57 units · 1–3 BR
No buildings in 85281 match this filter.
Nearby
The 20 closest of 69 in nearby ZIPs. Pick a ZIP below to see all of them.
Broadway Apartments
2440-a S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282
1.7 mi away
48 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Hacienda De Los Arcos
7529 E Culver St, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
2.6 mi away
121 units · 101 income-restricted · 1–2 BR
Scottsdale New Ventura Apts
980 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
2.8 mi away
135 units · 1–2 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Phoenix Landings Apartments
502 N 51st St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
2.9 mi away
140 units · 139 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Arizona Retirement Home of Scottsdale II
7312 E Palm Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
3 mi away
47 units · 1 BR
La Mesita
2254 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
3.2 mi away
80 units · Studio–4+ BR · People experiencing homelessness
La Mesita Phase 3
2245 W. Ella St., Bldg 3, Mesa, AZ 85201
3.2 mi away
31 units · 30 income-restricted · Studio–2 BR · People experiencing homelessness
Good Shepherd Homes of AZ - East
6388 E Oak St, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
3.2 mi away
37 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Papago Palms West
1835 N 51st St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
3.6 mi away
25 units · 24 income-restricted · 1–2 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Pascua Yaqui Homes III
Various on W. Calle Senu and S. Calle Tomi, Guadalupe, AZ 85283
3.9 mi away
37 units · 1–3 BR
Itom A'e
5424 E Calle Cerritos, Guadalupe, AZ 85283
4.1 mi away
65 units · 1–2 BR · People with disabilities
Nuestra Senora
5420 E Calle Cerritos, Guadalupe, AZ 85283
4.1 mi away
72 units · 69 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Escala Central City
3606 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
4.3 mi away
178 units · 170 income-restricted · 1–4+ BR
UMOM Family Housing
3330 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
4.6 mi away
122 units · 72 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Umom Family Housing II
3320 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
4.7 mi away
60 units · 2–3 BR · People with disabilities
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
No nearby buildings match this filter.
Rents and income limits in 85281
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,810/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $72,400/yr
- Renters in 85281 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 52%
Income limits (2026)
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area · median family income $112,400. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,600 | $39,350 | $62,950 |
| 2 | $27,000 | $45,000 | $71,950 |
| 3 | $30,350 | $50,600 | $80,950 |
| 4 | $33,700 | $56,200 | $89,900 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $60,700 | $97,100 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $65,200 | $104,300 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $69,700 | $111,500 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $74,200 | $118,700 |
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.
| Size | 85281 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,440 | $1,390 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,560 | $1,493 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,810 | $1,734 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,420 | $2,287 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,680 | $2,537 |
Wider area = Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $1,380 (85040) to $2,320 (85284).
Census figures for 85281 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,677. Median household income $64,538. 76% of homes are rented. 52% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 29% 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 85281's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 85281Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in Tempe, AZ 85281?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Tempe, AZ 85281, 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 Tempe, AZ 85281 have openings?
These lists for Tempe, AZ 85281 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 Tempe, AZ 85281?
Use the phone number on each building card in Tempe, AZ 85281. 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 Tempe, AZ 85281?
In Tempe, AZ 85281, 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 ZIP 85281?
This directory lists 7 income-restricted buildings in Tempe, AZ 85281. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.
Is there affordable housing near 85281?
Yes — this page also lists 69 income-restricted buildings in ZIP codes near Tempe, AZ 85281 (within about 6 miles). Pick a nearby ZIP to see every building there.
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Tempe, AZ 85281?
Most income-restricted buildings in Tempe, AZ 85281 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 $39,350, and $56,200 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($62,950 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 Tempe, AZ 85281?
For many programs in Tempe, AZ 85281, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $39,350 a year for 1 person and $56,200 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $62,950 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 Tempe, AZ 85281?
There is no single waiting list for Tempe, AZ 85281. 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 Tempe, AZ 85281?
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 project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Tempe, AZ 85281. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Tempe, AZ 85281?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Tempe, AZ 85281, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Tempe, AZ 85281 is $1,810 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 Tempe, AZ 85281?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Tempe, AZ 85281. 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 Tempe, AZ 85281?
Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Tempe, AZ 85281. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.
Nearby ZIP codes
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.
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