Difficult Development Areas 2026

This service provides spatial data and information on Difficult Development Areas (DDAs) used for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. DDAs are designated by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and defined in statute as areas with high construction, land, and utility costs relative to its Area Median Gross Income (AMGI). DDAs in metropolitan areas are designated along Census ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) boundaries. DDAs in non-metropolitan areas are designated along county boundaries. DDAs may not contain more than 20% of the aggregate population of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, which are designated separately.