What Is Considered Low Income For A Single Person In Texas?
Statista reported that 11.1% of the U.S. population lived below the national poverty line in 2023. In Texas, the rate was at 13.7%. A recent study by SmartAsset found that a single person with no kids needs an annual salary of about $75,000 to live comfortably in several Texas cities. However, the reality is that Texans’ median annual salary falls short of that benchmark and many Texans earn far less.
What is considered low income for a single person in Texas? The definition of low income depends on various factors, including federal poverty guidelines, state assistance programs, and the cost of living in different areas of Texas.
1. What is Considered Low Income for a Single Person in Texas?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets income limits to determine who qualifies for assisted housing programs like Public Housing, Section 8 project-based housing, and the Housing Choice Voucher program.
HUD calculates income limits based on Median Family Income (MFI) estimates and Fair Market Rent area definitions. Every metro area and non-metro county has an established median income, and the income limits are set as percentages of that number.
Here’s how income limits are categorized:
- Low income families: Their income does not exceed 80% of the median family income for the area.
- Very low income families: Their income does not exceed 50% of the median family income for the area.
- Extremely low income families: Their income does not exceed 30% of the median family income for the area or the federal poverty guidelines.
HUD doesn’t always set very low income limits at exactly 50% of the median income – doing so could create odd inconsistencies because low income limits (which should be higher) accidentally ended up lower than very low income limits. To prevent that, HUD typically calculates low income limits by multiplying the very low income limit by 1.6.
But there are exceptions. The four-person low income limit can’t exceed the U.S. median family income unless high housing costs justify it. In addition, HUD caps changes – limits can’t drop more than 5%, and increases are capped at 10% (or twice the national MFI change if it’s higher).
Since 1974, HUD has adjusted low income limits for areas with unusually high or low incomes to make housing assistance more accurate.
- In unusually poor areas, families may still be unable to afford quality housing even if they earn more than 80% of the local median income. HUD considers them low income so they can get support.
- In unusually affluent areas, families earning less than 80% of the local median might not qualify as low income, unless high housing costs justify it.
What is considered low income for a single person in Texas?
According to the information above, a single person in Texas is low income if their income does not exceed 80% of the median family income for their area. This limit can differ by area because HUD adjusts income limits based on local economic conditions, including housing costs.
The low income limits for a single-person household in some Texas metropolitan areas as of June 2024:
| Texas Metropolitan Area | Low Income (Single Person) |
| Houston | $53,000 |
| Dallas | $61,800 |
| Austin | $51,800 |
| San Antonio | $49600 |
| Fort Worth-Arlington | $57,050 |
| Killeen-Temple | $42,200 |
| Lubbock | $48,000 |
| Lampasas County | $52,650 |
| El Paso | $42,000 |
The low income limits for a single-person household in some Texas nonmetropolitan areas as of June 2024:
| Texas Nonmetropolitan Area | Low Income (Single Person) |
| Nacogdoches | $42,000 |
| Crockett | $42,000 |
| Llano | $45,500 |
| Mason | $44,400 |
| Childress | $42,000 |
Read more: Free Phone For Low-Income California: Explore The Best Government Program
2. How to Qualify for Government Programs for a Low Income Single Person in Texas
Income eligibility for government assistance programs in Texas varies depending on the specific program and household size.
To qualify for some assistance programs like Lifeline, you need a household income lower than a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household size | 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (Anual Income) |
| 1 | $15,650 |
| 2 | $21,150 |
| 3 | $26,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 |
| 5 | $37,650 |
| 6 | $43,150 |
| 7 | $48,650 |
| 8 | $54,150 |
| Each Additional Member | $5,500 |
2.1. What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for SNAP in Texas?
SNAP, previously food stamps, offers food assistance to low income individuals. The maximum SNAP benefit for a single person in Texas is $291 per month.
According to the latest update from Texas Health and Human Services, the maximum monthly income for a single-person household to qualify for SNAP is $2,005.
Most individuals aged 16 to 59 must follow work requirements to receive SNAP benefits. This means they must seek employment or participate in an approved work program. If they are employed, they cannot quit without a valid reason.
2.2. What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Medicaid in Texas?
Medicaid is one of the biggest public health programs in the U.S. It plays a crucial role in providing free or low-cost healthcare services to some low income individuals, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Parents must earn less than 16% of the federal poverty level ($4,264 per year for a three-person household in 2025). And if you’re an adult without dependent children, you’re not eligible at all, no matter how low your income is. Who qualifies for Medicaid in Texas?
Texas is among the states that haven’t expanded Medicaid. If Texas expanded Medicaid to cover individuals earning at or below 138% of the federal poverty level ($21,597 per year for a single person in 2025), more Texans would gain access to health coverage.
Will Texas expand Medicaid in 2025 to cover low income single people? Time will tell.
2.3. What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Lifeline in Texas?
Lifeline helps make phone and internet services more affordable for low income people. Most consumers can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month, while those living on Tribal lands can get a higher discount of up to $34.25 per month.
You can get exclusive benefits when you apply for Lifeline through one of its authorized providers. For example, you can receive a free government smartphone from AirTalk Wireless.
Also, depending on your area, you could get up to 30GB of high-speed 5G+ data each month, along with unlimited talk and text.
If your gross income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may be eligible for Lifeline. According to 2025 guidelines, a single person in Texas can qualify for the Lifeline program if their income doesn’t exceed $21,128 per year or $1,761 per month. Besides, if you already participated in SNAP or Medicaid, you will be eligible for Lifeline benefits.
NOTE: “The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.”
Read more: How To Get A Free Tablet For Low Income?
FAQs
What is considered low income for a single person in Texas?
A single person is considered low income in Texas if their income does not exceed 80% of the median family income for their area. For example, in Dallas, a single person is considered low income if their income is at or below $61,800 per year.
Do I qualify for any government assistance?
You can qualify for government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and Lifeline depending on several factors, including your income, household size, and specific requirements.
What is a comfortable salary for a single person in Texas?
A recent study from SmartAsset found that a single person can live comfortably in several Texas cities on an annual salary of around $75,000.
What is the poorest state in the United States in 2024?
In 2023, about 11.1% of the U.S. population lived below the national poverty line. The states with the highest poverty rates included Louisiana, Mississippi, West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
Conclusion
Determining what is considered low income for a single person in Texas isn’t always simple. It varies by area, as the cost of living in cities like Austin or Dallas is much higher than in rural areas. Besides, the definition of low income depends on specific assistance programs. If you’re unable to afford basic needs, checking your eligibility for government programs could be helpful.
