Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Melbourne, Arkansas
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Melbourne area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Melbourne, 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 Melbourne, 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 Melbourne, Arkansas
Melbourne, Arkansas is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Melbourne area. There are also 18 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Melbourne include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Melbourne opened its Public Housing waitlist on Jul 1, 2017.
About Housing in Melbourne, Arkansas
Melbourne, Arkansas offers several affordable housing programs for eligible residents. Services are primarily provided by two housing authorities: White River Regional Housing Authority and Housing Authority of the City of Melbourne. These agencies collectively manage approximately 1,875 assisted housing units in the wider area, offering support through various programs.
Currently, there are two open waiting lists available for affordable housing in Melbourne, with two additional lists currently closed. Specifically, Public Housing programs have two open waiting lists, allowing new applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has two lists that are currently closed, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program has one closed list. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the White River Regional Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of Melbourne directly to confirm the most up-to-date waitlist status and application details.
Eligibility for these programs is based on income, among other factors. For example, a family of four in Izard County must have an income at or below $33,550 per year to qualify as Very Low Income for FY2025. The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) serves as the state's housing finance agency, overseeing affordable housing initiatives statewide. Applicants should gather all necessary documentation and carefully follow application instructions provided by each housing authority.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Melbourne
To apply for housing assistance in Melbourne, Arkansas, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Melbourne area (listed above). Right now, 2 waiting lists are 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 $33,550/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 Melbourne include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. 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).
Melbourne, Arkansas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Melbourne, Arkansas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Izard County, AR area. A family of four must earn less than $33,550 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $64,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $15,650 | $23,500 | $37,600 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $26,850 | $43,000 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $30,200 | $48,350 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $33,550 | $53,700 |
| 5 Persons | $36,250 | $36,250 | $58,000 |
| 6 Persons | $38,950 | $38,950 | $62,300 |
| 7 Persons | $41,650 | $41,650 | $66,600 |
| 8 Persons | $44,300 | $44,300 | $70,900 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Melbourne 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 Melbourne and have active housing programs.