$72,000 considered 'low income' in King, Snohomish counties for family of four

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

New numbers show households making $72,000 in King and Snohomish counties are considered ‘low income.'

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released its revised income limits, which can determine who qualifies for affordable and subsidized housing, such as Section 8.

The $72,000 number is for a family of four. The low-income limit is 80 percent of the median income in those counties. Very low income limits, which are 50 percent of median income, are $48,000. Extremely low-income is $28,800. That’s 30 percent of median income.

“Since that’s considered low-income, I think that’s pretty high,” said Kathy Thompson of West Seattle. “I cannot afford it.”

She lives with four other adult family members because she wants to live close to Seattle, but can’t afford to pay for even a studio in the city. Thompson said she makes $43,000 a year as a hospital clerical worker.

http://www.king5.com/news/local/72000-considered-low-income-in-king-and-snohomish-counties/434107397

[cilla4progress]

1. So true...

Was just explaining this to someone from Phila yesterday. Interestingly, over here in central WA where I am, $72K for a family of 4 would be a solid income (haven't verified statistically...just my own anecdotal info).

Thankfully we have a relatively high minimum wage in WA.

[montanacowboy]

2. We are looking to move from our

house in Shoreline and have just given up. A small 2 bedroom 1 bath house can start at $2200 - $3200/mo and that's the start of it.

Money Hungry landlords want, 1st month, last month, a full month deposit and pet deposits up the wazoo, $300-$500/pet non refundable and then a non refundable cleaning deposit which could be as high as $1,000. So you are looking at up to $10K to move into a small cramped house with still a sizeable commute.

They also want $46-$50 per person for background check, credit check which costs them $18, so they are making money hand over fist on just this paperwork as there are as many as 20 people ahead of you in line to see the property.

Then they want you to have high credit scores and carry Renter's insurance and it goes on and on and on.

We just said screw it, we will stay where we are even tho it simply is not working for us.

[KT2000]

3. Olympic Peninsula too

This is a low wage no benefits area. The cost to be approved and move into a rental is staggering -$ thousands. Some with vehicles live in our local WalMart parking lot. it is a nightmare.