Affordable Housing in Texas
Affordable housing in Texas plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families who earn moderate or fixed incomes. As housing costs rise across the state, income-restricted communities help ensure that renters have access to high-quality apartment homes at rates they can reasonably afford.
Palladium USA develops and manages affordable communities across Texas through long-term partnerships with cities, housing finance corporations, state agencies, and federal programs. Our mission is to deliver well-built, professionally managed apartment homes that remain attainable for the people who need them most.
What Is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing refers to apartment homes reserved for households that meet specific income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Rents are capped to remain affordable based on a percentage of the Area Median Income, or AMI.
Most affordable communities in Texas follow the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. LIHTC is the primary tool used nationwide to create high-quality affordable apartments.
What Is AMI?
Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region’s income distribution. HUD publishes AMI for every county in the country each year. Affordable apartments use AMI to determine:
- Who qualifies
- What rents can be charged
- How many units must serve each income level
Common income set-asides include 30 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, and 80 percent AMI.
As an example, a 60 percent AMI unit is reserved for a household whose income is at or below 60 percent of the area’s median income, based on household size.
How Affordable Housing Works in Texas
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
The largest and most widely used program. Tax credits help fund construction and allow rents to remain below market levels.
Tax-Exempt Bonds
Used to finance affordable developments at lower interest rates. Often paired with 4 percent LIHTC.
Public-Private Partnerships
Cities, counties, housing finance corporations, and private developers work together to deliver affordable homes.
Local Incentive Programs
Depending on the city or county, local support may include fee waivers, infrastructure improvements, or tax agreements.
These programs ensure that rents remain stable and predictable for residents over the long term.
Who Qualifies for Affordable Housing?
Qualification is based on:
- Total household income
- Number of people in the household
- Verification of income sources (pay stubs, benefits statements, etc.)
- Annual income limits published by HUD
Residents must complete an application and provide documentation to confirm eligibility. Recertification generally occurs each year.
Most Palladium USA affordable communities do not require a housing voucher. Eligibility is determined by household income and program limits.
Benefits of Affordable Housing Communities
Affordable communities developed by Palladium USA are designed to:
- Serve families, individuals, and seniors across a wide range of incomes
- Provide high-quality apartment homes with modern amenities
- Support long-term housing stability
- Strengthen local neighborhoods by providing attainable options close to jobs, schools, and transit
- Allow residents to live near the areas where they work and study
Affordable communities also encourage economic growth by supporting local employers who depend on a stable workforce.
Typical Income Limits in Texas
Income limits vary by county and household size. HUD publishes new limits each year.
Below is a simplified example of AMI brackets often used for affordable apartments:
- 30% AMI: Deeply affordable units for households with the lowest incomes
- 50% AMI: Affordable homes for moderate-income households
- 60% AMI: The most common LIHTC income level used statewide
- 70% AMI: Expanded program eligibility
- 80% AMI: Workforce housing for households with slightly higher incomes
For exact income limits, applicants should contact the leasing office at the community they’re interested in.
What to Expect When Applying
Households will be asked to provide:
- Identification
- Proof of income
- Employment verification
- Bank statements
- Tax returns (if applicable)
- Information on household members
The leasing team will review all information to confirm eligibility under program requirements.
Affordable Communities by Palladium USA
Palladium USA delivers affordable and mixed-income communities across Texas in partnership with local leaders, state housing agencies, and trusted financial partners. Many of our communities serve families, seniors, and individuals earning between 30 percent and 80 percent of AMI. Click below to search for your new home.
Our Long-Term Commitment
Palladium USA develops affordable communities with a long-term ownership and management approach. This ensures:
- Professional on-site management
- Strong resident services
- Well-maintained buildings
- High-quality amenities
- Consistent oversight and integrity
Our team is committed to expanding access to attainable housing across Texas for years to come.
