Demographics of Section 8 Recipients

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), plays a vital role in providing rental assistance to low-income individuals and families. To better understand who benefits from this program, we can turn to data compiled in HUD’s Picture of Subsidized Households reports and related research tools.

Who Are Section 8 Recipients?

According to HUD’s most recent demographic analyses, the Section 8 population is diverse but shares some key socioeconomic traits that highlight the needs the program addresses:

1. Age and Household Composition

• Families with children are a major component, comprising over 40% of households in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
• Elderly individuals (62+) represent about 29% of voucher recipients.
• People with disabilities account for roughly 25% of recipients, emphasizing the program's role in supporting those with limited capacity to work or who have special housing needs.

2. Race and Ethnicity

• A substantial portion of recipients are Black or African American, representing approximately 45% of voucher households.
• White households make up around 36%.
• Hispanic or Latino recipients account for about 17%, though this varies by region and city.

These numbers point to racial disparities in economic opportunity and housing affordability, which Section 8 aims to help address

3. Income and Employment

• The average annual household income among Section 8 recipients is around $15,000–$16,000, significantly below the national median.
• About half of non-elderly, non-disabled heads of household are employed, demonstrating that many recipients are part of the working poor — employed but earning too little to afford market-rate rent.

HUD’s data also shows that a large percentage of households rely on Social Security, SSI, or public assistance as their primary source of income

4. Gender

• The program overwhelmingly serves female-headed households, especially single mothers. In fact, over 75% of households in the voucher program are led by women, underscoring the intersection of gender, poverty, and housing insecurity

Geographic and Housing Characteristics

Recipients live in a variety of housing types, including apartments, single-family homes, and multi-unit buildings. Vouchers are designed to be portable, allowing families to move to different neighborhoods — though affordability and landlord acceptance remain barriers in many regions.

HUD’s reporting also provides insight into housing quality and neighborhood indicators such as poverty levels and racial composition. This helps identify whether voucher holders have equitable access to low-poverty or high-opportunity areas

Section 8 serves as a critical support system for millions of Americans, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, low-income working families, and single mothers. HUD’s demographic data paints a clear picture of a program that not only helps prevent homelessness but also promotes stability and access to better living environments for those who need it most.