Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Fort Smith, Arkansas
There is 1 open waiting list in the Fort Smith area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Fort Smith, Arkansas and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Fort Smith, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith, Arkansas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Fort Smith area. There are also 20 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Fort Smith include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Smi opened its Public Housing waitlist on Jul 1, 2017.
About Housing in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers several avenues for affordable housing assistance. The primary provider of subsidized housing programs in the city is The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Smith. This agency helps manage access to affordable living options for eligible residents. There are approximately 1,827 assisted housing units available in the Fort Smith area, underscoring the ongoing need for support.
Currently, The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Smith has one waiting list open for applications, while another list is presently closed. Specific programs include Public Housing, which currently has one open waiting list. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has one list, is currently closed to new applicants. To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four is considered Very Low Income if their household income is $36,300 per year or less, based on the FY2025 limits for the Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA. For broader housing development and financial support, the state housing agency is the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA).
Housing Authorities in Fort Smith
How to Apply for Section 8 in Fort Smith
To apply for housing assistance in Fort Smith, Arkansas, submit an application directly to The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Smi, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $36,300/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Fort Smith include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Fort Smith, Arkansas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $36,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $80,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $15,650 | $25,450 | $40,700 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $29,050 | $46,500 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $32,700 | $52,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $36,300 | $58,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $39,250 | $62,750 |
| 6 Persons | $42,150 | $42,150 | $67,400 |
| 7 Persons | $45,050 | $45,050 | $72,050 |
| 8 Persons | $47,950 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Fort Smith use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Fort Smith and have active housing programs.