What Is Considered Low-Income in Arizona for a Single Person?

Defining “low-income” is not a singular concept; its meaning shifts depending on the government agency or program setting the standard. Different entities establish specific income thresholds to determine eligibility for various forms of assistance or benefits. Understanding these varying definitions is important for anyone seeking assistance, as eligibility can differ significantly from one program to another.

Federal Poverty Guidelines

The Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) serve as a national standard for defining poverty across the United States. These guidelines are established annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and are updated to reflect changes in economic conditions. They provide a baseline for many federal and state assistance programs, ensuring a standardized measure of need.

For a single person, the 2024 Federal Poverty Guideline is set at $15,060. This figure represents 100% of the FPG for an individual in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Many programs do not solely rely on 100% of the FPG.

Numerous federal and state initiatives utilize the FPG as a baseline, often applying a multiplier to determine eligibility. For example, some programs might set their income threshold at 138% or 200% of the FPG. This means an individual could earn more than the base FPG amount and still qualify for assistance, depending on the specific program’s criteria. These multipliers allow programs to serve a broader segment of the population facing financial challenges.

Programs such as Medicaid, health insurance premium tax credits, and certain food assistance programs commonly refer to the FPG. Eligibility for these services is often tied directly to an individual’s income relative to these guidelines. For instance, eligibility for Medicaid, known as AHCCCS in Arizona, is linked to a percentage of the FPG.

Housing Income Limits

Income definitions for housing assistance often differ significantly from the Federal Poverty Guidelines, relying instead on Area Median Income (AMI). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines AMI annually for various metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties nationwide. This approach acknowledges that the cost of living, and therefore the income needed for housing, can vary substantially by geographic location.

AMI figures reflect the midpoint of incomes in a particular region, meaning half of households earn more and half earn less. Housing programs then define income tiers based on percentages of this AMI. For a single person, “Extremely Low Income” is defined as 30% of the AMI, “Very Low Income” as 50% of the AMI, and “Low Income” as 80% of the AMI. These percentages determine eligibility for various affordable housing programs and rental assistance initiatives.

These limits vary significantly across Arizona due to differing economic conditions. For instance, in the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Maricopa County, the 2024/2025 Median Income is $101,300. For a single person, this translates to an Extremely Low Income limit of $21,600, a Very Low Income limit of $36,000, and a Low Income limit of $57,600.

In contrast, the Tucson MSA, encompassing Pima County, has a Fiscal Year 2025 Median Family Income of $96,100. For a single person in this area, the income limits are $20,200 for Extremely Low Income, $33,650 for Very Low Income, and $53,850 for Low Income. These examples highlight how the same income level might be considered low-income in one area but not in another, underscoring the localized nature of housing affordability.

Other Arizona Program Income Thresholds

Beyond federal poverty guidelines and housing-specific income limits, various Arizona state programs utilize their own unique income thresholds for eligibility. These thresholds can be direct dollar amounts or specific percentages of the FPG or AMI, tailored to each program’s specific goals. Understanding these distinct criteria is important for accessing state-level support.

For healthcare coverage, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid program, sets income limits for adults. Eligibility for AHCCCS is for individuals with incomes at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Based on the 2025 FPG, this translates to an annual income of approximately $21,597 for a single person, or a monthly gross income limit of $1,735, effective February 1, 2025.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Arizona provides aid with energy costs, and its income thresholds are based on a percentage of the state median income. For Federal Fiscal Year 2025, the estimated 60% of the state median income for a one-person household is $31,755 annually. This equates to a monthly gross income limit of approximately $2,646 for a single person to qualify for LIHEAP assistance.

Arizona also offers various state income tax credits that can benefit individuals with lower incomes. They provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction in state tax liability for certain contributions. For instance, in 2024, a single taxpayer could claim a maximum credit of $470 for contributions to a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO). Similarly, the maximum credit for contributions to a Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO) was $587, and for Private School Tuition (Form 323) was $731.