Measuring Affordability
It is important to think of affordability when developing housing. Here are some details measuring affordability in Salt Lake City.
What is AMI?
Area median income (AMI) is the median income for all households in a specific area. In Salt Lake City, AMI is based on households in the Salt Lake City metro area. This area includes Salt Lake and Tooele counties. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses data from the Census Bureau to determine AMI each year. The area median income is then based on household size.
2025 HUD Area Median Income Levels
Salt Lake City uses the most recent 2025 HUD AMI limits for judging affordability. This will be updated when new standards are published in 2026.
| Household Size | 30% AMI | 50% AMI | 60% AMI | 80% AMI | 100% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,800 | $42,950 | $51,540 | $68,750 | $85,900 |
| 2 Person | $29,450 | $49,100 | $58,920 | $78,550 | $98,200 |
| 3 Person | $33,150 | $55,250 | $66,300 | $88,350 | $110,500 |
| 4 Person | $36,800 | $61,350 | $73,620 | $98,150 | $122,700 |
| 5 Person | $39,750 | $66,300 | $79,560 | $106,050 | $132,600 |
| 6 Person | $43,150 | $71,200 | $85,440 | $113,900 | $142,400 |
| 7 Person | $48,650 | $76,100 | $91,320 | $121,750 | $152,200 |
| 8 Person | $54,150 | $81,000 | $97,200 | $129,600 | $162,000 |
Percent of AMI is the most common measure of affordability in the United States. A housing unit is typically considered “affordable” if a household at 80% AMI is not cost burdened. Cost-burden households spend more than 30% of their income on total housing costs. These households often struggle to cover other costs necessities. These include transportation, healthy food, or emergency expenses. A housing unit at 30% AMI is considered “deeply affordable.”
Example Occupations for Different Income Levels
It’s helpful to know what are typical income levels for common jobs. The table below shows common occupations and their housing costs. These examples are for a single-income household of 4.
| Example Occupation | Food Server | Kindergarten Teacher | Nurse | Software Developer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Affordable Monthly Housing Costs | $920 | $1,500 | $2,400 | $3,700 |
| Level of Affordability | Extremely Low-Income (30% AMI) | Very Low-Income (50% AMI) | Low-Income (80% AMI) | Moderate Income (120% AMI) |
| Affordable Income | $0K—$36K | $37K—$61K | $62K—$98K | $99K—$147K |
| Average Occupation Wages | $31,220 ($15/hr) | $56,620 ($27/hr) | $86,070 ($41/hr) | $120,910 ($58/hr) |
Affordability of Demolition Permits
In Salt Lake City, we prioritize preserving affordable housing in our neighborhoods. This is true in all parts of housing, including demolition. The City requires a property Level of Affordability before providing a demolition permit. This allows the City to track the loss of affordable housing. You can use the calculator below to find this Level of Affordability. You will record this Level on the Residential Demolition Verification Worksheet. If the Level is less than 80%, the City considers it below market rate.
Affordability Restrictions on Development
In Salt Lake City, we work to increase the supply of affordable housing. The City invests in and incentivizes development in several ways. This includes helping construct new affordable units. We also transition market rate housing to affordable rent properties. Other City investments include:
Other City incentives include:
- Development score reviews.
- Zoning incentives.
- Fee waivers.
Developers receiving investments or incentives sign an agreement that includes a “deed restriction.” Deed restrictions define affordability on a property. They define the Level of Affordability for the property. They also say which units will be affordable, and how long they will remain affordable.
You can use the calculator below to estimate the max allowable unit rent. Please note that this calculator only provides rough estimates. For more exact figures, contact City staff. They will help determine how affordability restrictions will apply to specific projects.
Rent Calculators
Calculator Definitions
These definitions explain the fields for the two calculators.
- Bedrooms: The number of bedrooms in the rental unit. Enter “0” for a studio unit.
- AMI Level: The %AMI restriction for the unit on the agreement.
- Rent: For demolition, the total contract rent for the most recent occupancy year.
- Mandatory Fees: Any non-optional fees charged to the tenant. For demolition, fees incurred in the most recent occupancy year.
- Estimated Utilities: Estimated amount a tenant paid for utilities. This does not include rent. For demolition this will be for the year in which the unit was most recently occupied. Refer to the HASLC Utility Allowance Schedule when estimating utilities.
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