
About This Property
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara manages 2,883 units throughout Santa Barbara, CA. Both the public housing and Section 8 waitlists are currently open for applicants. The authority provides rental assistance and affordable housing options to eligible residents of Santa Barbara County.
Waitlist Information
Families, seniors, and disabled individuals receive priority, and waitlist ranking is based on application date/time and preference points. Residency preference is given to those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities are housed before single persons under 62, and veterans, their spouses, or widows receive an additional preference point.
The tenant-based voucher program waitlist is currently closed to new applications. The Housing Authority gives a preference to applicants who are 'in-place' (living in a unit where the owner accepts Section 8 for at least 12 months).
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated May 8, 2026
Property Details
Fair Market Rent - Santa Barbara County, CA
FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit in this area.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio/Efficiency | $2,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,651 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,994 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,996 |
| 4 Bedroom | $4,528 |
Income Limits - Santa Barbara County, CA
Annual income limits by household size used to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs.
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $26,250
- Very Low (50%)
- $43,750
- Low (80%)
- $70,050
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $30,000
- Very Low (50%)
- $50,000
- Low (80%)
- $80,050
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $33,750
- Very Low (50%)
- $56,250
- Low (80%)
- $90,050
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $37,450
- Very Low (50%)
- $62,450
- Low (80%)
- $100,050
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $40,450
- Very Low (50%)
- $67,450
- Low (80%)
- $108,100
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $43,450
- Very Low (50%)
- $72,450
- Low (80%)
- $116,100
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $46,450
- Very Low (50%)
- $77,450
- Low (80%)
- $124,100
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $49,450
- Very Low (50%)
- $82,450
- Low (80%)
- $132,100
| Household | Extremely Low (30%) | Very Low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $26,250 | $43,750 | $70,050 |
| 2 Persons | $30,000 | $50,000 | $80,050 |
| 3 Persons | $33,750 | $56,250 | $90,050 |
| 4 Persons | $37,450 | $62,450 | $100,050 |
| 5 Persons | $40,450 | $67,450 | $108,100 |
| 6 Persons | $43,450 | $72,450 | $116,100 |
| 7 Persons | $46,450 | $77,450 | $124,100 |
| 8 Persons | $49,450 | $82,450 | $132,100 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent for affordable housing in Santa Barbara, CA?+
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Santa Barbara County, CA is: $2330 (Studio), $2651 (1BR), $2994 (2BR), $3996 (3BR), $4528 (4BR). Actual rent at subsidized properties like Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is typically 30% of household income or less.
How many units does Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara have?+
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara has a total of 2883 housing units.
What are the income limits for affordable housing in Santa Barbara County, CA?+
For a 4-person household in Santa Barbara County, CA, the income limits are: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): $37,450, Very Low Income (50% AMI): $62,450, Low Income (80% AMI): $100,050. These limits are set by HUD and updated annually.
Is there a waitlist for Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?+
Public Housing waitlist is currently Open. Section 8 (HCV) waitlist is currently Closed. Waitlist status can change frequently, so check back regularly or contact the housing authority directly for the most up-to-date information.
How do I apply for housing at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?+
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is a Housing Authority property. To apply, you can start by calling 8059651071, or visiting their website, or contacting the property management office. You may need to submit an application and be placed on a waitlist. Eligibility is typically based on income, family size, and other factors.
Contact Information
Walk Score
Walker's Paradise
Nearby Schools
Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale.
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