HUD Open Data · 2026
What Are the Income Limits in Cook County, Illinois?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro · HUD Income Limits (AMI) for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, IL
The HUD Income Limits (2026) for Cook County, Illinois (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area) show a median income of $121,500 a year. The 30% AMI limit for a 4-person household is $36,450, 50% AMI is $60,750, and 80% AMI is $97,200. Source: U.S. HUD, Office of Policy Development & Research, 2026 Income Limits.
Median Income in Cook County, IL and Neighbouring Counties
Income Limits by Household Size
| Household Size | 30% AMI | 50% AMI | 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,550 | $42,550 | $68,050 |
| 2 | $29,200 | $48,600 | $77,800 |
| 3 | $32,850 | $54,700 | $87,500 |
| 4 | $36,450 | $60,750 | $97,200 |
| 5 | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,000 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $75,350 | $120,550 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $80,200 | $128,350 |
How does Cook County, IL compare?
Median income ranked against all counties in Illinois.
Higher income limits than 99% of counties in Illinois · 2nd of 102
| # | County | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kendall County | $135,800 |
| 2 | Will County | $121,500 |
| 2 | McHenry County | $121,500 |
| 2 | Cook County(you are here) | $121,500 |
| … 97 more … | ||
| 100 | Saline County | $75,000 |
| 101 | Hardin County | $72,700 |
| 102 | Pulaski County | $65,900 |
More data for Cook County, Illinois
Nearby counties
Frequently asked questions
What are the Income Limits in Cook County, Illinois for 2026?
The area median income in Cook County, Illinois is $121,500 a year for 2026 (HUD applies one figure across the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area). For a four-person household, the limits work out to $36,450 at 30% of the median (extremely low income), $60,750 at 50% (very low income), and $97,200 at 80% (low income). The full table by household size is above. Source: U.S. HUD, Office of Policy Development and Research, 2026 Income Limits.
What is the median income in Cook County, Illinois?
HUD puts the area median income for Cook County, Illinois at $121,500 a year in 2026.
What is the 80% AMI income limit for a 2-person household in Cook County, Illinois?
For 2026, the 80% AMI (low income) limit for a 2-person household in Cook County, Illinois is $77,800 a year. At 50% AMI (very low income) the 2-person limit is $48,600, and at 30% AMI (extremely low income) it is $29,200. Limits for other household sizes are in the table above.
How do income limits in Cook County change with household size?
HUD publishes 2026 limits for household sizes 1 through 8. At 80% AMI in Cook County, the limit is $68,050 for a 1-person household, $77,800 for 2 people, $97,200 for 4 people, and $128,350 for 8 people. The table above lists every household size at 30%, 50%, and 80% AMI.
What do 30%/50%/80% AMI mean?
AMI stands for Area Median Income. 30% AMI means the income threshold is 30% of the area's median income. Households at or below 30% AMI are classified as extremely low income, 50% as very low income, and 80% as low income. These thresholds determine eligibility for federal housing programs like Section 8 vouchers and LIHTC properties.
When are Income Limits in Cook County updated?
HUD publishes new income limits annually, typically in spring. The 2026 figures apply for the full calendar year unless HUD issues an interim adjustment.
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