Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Sacramento, California
There are 11 open waiting lists in the Sacramento area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 11 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Sacramento area. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Sacramento include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), PBV (2 open), Mainstream (1 open).
Latest Opening
City of Sacramento Housing Authority opened its Moderate Rehab Program Single Room Occupancy (SRO) waitlist on Jan 12, 2022.
About Housing in Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California, offers various affordable housing options managed primarily by two authorities: the County of Sacramento Housing Authority and the City of Sacramento Housing Authority. These agencies collectively oversee approximately 15,709 assisted housing units designed to help residents with lower incomes. Currently, there are 11 open waiting lists for various programs, while 2 lists are closed.
Prospective applicants can explore several program types. Open programs include Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing, alongside Affordable Housing initiatives such as the Moderate Rehab Program SRO and Moderate Rehab Program Single Room Occupancy. It is important to note that lists for Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and RAD programs are currently closed. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income. For instance, a family of four in the Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade area might qualify as Very Low Income with an annual income up to $64,300 for FY2025. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) also plays a role in state-level housing efforts.
Those seeking assistance should carefully review the specific requirements for each open list. Applying to multiple lists for which you are eligible can increase your chances of securing housing. It is advisable to regularly check for updates on waiting list statuses and openings directly from the housing authorities.
Housing Authorities in Sacramento
City of Sacramento Housing Authority
Sacramento, California · CA005
County of Sacramento Housing Authority
Sacramento, California · CA007
How to Apply for Section 8 in Sacramento
To apply for housing assistance in Sacramento, California, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Sacramento area (listed above). Right now, 11 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 $64,300/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 Sacramento include Other, Affordable Housing (Moderate Rehab Program SRO), Moderate Rehab Program Single Room Occupancy (SRO), Public Housing, Other (SRO), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), other, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Affordable Housing - Moderate Rehab Program SRO. 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).
Sacramento, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Sacramento, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $64,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $120,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $27,050 | $45,050 | $72,050 |
| 2 Persons | $30,900 | $51,450 | $82,350 |
| 3 Persons | $34,750 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 4 Persons | $38,600 | $64,300 | $102,900 |
| 5 Persons | $41,700 | $69,450 | $111,150 |
| 6 Persons | $44,800 | $74,600 | $119,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $79,750 | $127,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $84,900 | $135,850 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Sacramento 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 Sacramento and have active housing programs.