DPA income limits: do you actually earn too much?

"I probably make too much to qualify." I hear this constantly — and more often than not, it's wrong. Down payment assistance income limits are higher than most people expect, especially in the Portland–Vancouver metro where cost of living is reflected in the caps.

How income limits are set

DPA income limits are typically tied to Area Median Income (AMI) — a number calculated by HUD for each county and updated annually. Programs might allow buyers at 80%, 100%, 120%, or even 140% of AMI depending on the program type and location.

In Multnomah County and Clark County, the AMI numbers are substantial — which means the income limits are too. A household earning $90,000, $100,000, or even $120,000 can qualify for certain programs.

Household size matters

Income limits aren't flat numbers — they scale with household size. A family of four will have a higher limit than a single buyer. This is one of the most frequently overlooked details. If you're buying as a couple, or have dependents, the qualifying income threshold goes up meaningfully.

Which income counts?

Programs vary on this, but most use gross annual income from all household members over 18 who will be living in the home. That can include:

• Base salary or wages
• Overtime and bonuses (sometimes averaged over two years)
• Self-employment income
• Social Security, disability, and certain other benefits

What doesn't always count: alimony paid out, temporary income, and certain one-time payments. The details matter.

When you're over the limit

If you're over one program's income limit, that doesn't mean you're over all of them. Some DPA programs have higher limits than others. Some programs don't have income limits at all — they're limited only by purchase price and credit requirements.

Assuming you don't qualify is not the same as actually not qualifying. Let me check the actual numbers for you.

Income limit math is genuinely specific to your county, household size, and the programs currently available. The only way to know for certain is to run the numbers — which takes me about five minutes. Don't opt out of help you haven't actually confirmed you can't get.