Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Bakersfield, California
All waiting lists in Bakersfield are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Bakersfield, California 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 Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Bakersfield are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical.
Housing programs available in Bakersfield include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Get Notified When Lists Open
No waitlists are currently open near Bakersfield. We check every housing authority nightly and can notify you the moment something opens. Sign up for real-time alerts.
About Housing in Bakersfield, California
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Bakersfield, California, the primary service provider is the Housing Authority of the County of Kern. This authority administers essential programs designed to help low-income residents secure stable housing.
The Housing Authority of the County of Kern offers three main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, and Public Housing. While these programs collectively serve approximately 4,715 assisted housing units in the area, it is important to note that all three waiting lists are currently closed. There are no open waitlists for housing assistance through this authority at this time.
To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA area is $46,950 per year (FY2025). The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) serves as the state's housing agency. Applicants should regularly check the Housing Authority of the County of Kern's official announcements for any updates on waitlist openings and eligibility criteria.
Housing Authorities in Bakersfield
How to Apply for Section 8 in Bakersfield
To apply for housing assistance in Bakersfield, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the County of Kern, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $46,950/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 Bakersfield include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing. 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).
Bakersfield, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Bakersfield, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $46,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $81,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,750 | $32,900 | $52,600 |
| 2 Persons | $22,550 | $37,600 | $60,100 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,300 | $67,600 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,950 | $75,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,750 | $81,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $54,500 | $87,150 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,250 | $93,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $62,000 | $99,150 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield and have active housing programs.