What Is Concentration Area
A concentration area is a census tract or neighborhood where the poverty rate exceeds 20%, as defined by HUD. Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are required to limit new Section 8 voucher placements in these areas to promote economic deconcentration and expand housing choice to lower-poverty neighborhoods.
Regulatory Requirements
The Fair Housing Act and Section 8 program regulations (24 CFR 983.56) require PHAs to affirmatively further fair housing by not concentrating voucher holders in high-poverty areas. This means:
- PHAs must track the poverty rate of neighborhoods where voucher holders live
- New voucher holders cannot lease units in concentration areas unless the PHA makes a written determination that they are taking other actions to deconcentrate the voucher population
- Existing voucher holders can continue living in concentration areas without restriction
- Each PHA establishes its own concentration area thresholds in consultation with their local housing authority
Practical Impact for Landlords
Landlords in concentration areas may face reduced demand for Section 8 leasing, particularly for new tenant placements. If your property is located in a tract with a poverty rate above 20%, PHAs may deny payment standards or lease approval for new voucher holders. This does not affect existing voucher tenants, but it limits your ability to accept new Section 8 applicants in those neighborhoods.
Practical Impact for Tenants
If you hold a Section 8 voucher and want to lease in a concentration area, your PHA may deny your request unless certain conditions are met. Current voucher holders can remain in concentration areas, but if you're searching for a new unit, your PHA may steer you toward opportunity areas with lower poverty rates and greater economic diversity. Some PHAs offer counseling services or mobility programs to help tenants move to low-poverty neighborhoods.
Common Questions
- Can I keep my Section 8 voucher if I already live in a concentration area? Yes. HUD policy grandfathers existing placements. You can continue living there unless you voluntarily move. Restrictions apply only to new voucher holders.
- How do I know if my neighborhood is a concentration area? Contact your local PHA directly. They maintain census tract data and can confirm the poverty rate for your specific address. Your PHA's Housing Coordinator can provide this information in writing.
- What happens if I want to move to a lower-poverty neighborhood? Many PHAs offer portability, allowing you to search for units outside concentration areas. Some PHAs provide relocation counseling or incentives through mobility programs to help tenants move to opportunity areas.
Related Concepts
- Deconcentration , the PHA strategy to reduce voucher concentration in high-poverty areas
- Opportunity Area , lower-poverty neighborhoods targeted for voucher placements