Can a middle-class household really qualify for a below-market apartment?

Income-restricted, below-market units typically set eligibility as a range tied to the area median income for that county, which can genuinely include middle-income households depending on the specific program and unit, not just the lowest income brackets. Eligibility rules and income limits vary program by program rather than following one universal standard. Check with the specific housing authority or program administrator listed on that unit's application for the actual current requirements.