Cortez, CO

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cortez, Colorado

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Cortez area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cortez, Colorado 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 Cortez, 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.

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Affordable Housing in Cortez, Colorado

Cortez, Colorado is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Cortez area. There are also 1 open waitlist within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Cortez include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the County of Montezuma opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Cortez, Colorado

Cortez, Colorado provides affordable housing assistance primarily through the Housing Authority of the County of Montezuma. Currently, this authority manages 2 open waiting lists for housing programs, with no closed lists at this time. Available programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has 1 open list, and the Public Housing program, also with 1 open list. The Cortez area offers approximately 293 assisted housing units in total.

For families seeking housing assistance, it is important to understand the income requirements. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in Montezuma County for Fiscal Year 2025 is set at $51,000 per year. Eligibility for these programs is determined by specific income criteria, which may vary based on household size and the particular program. Applicants should always contact the Housing Authority of the County of Montezuma directly to confirm the most current income limits and application requirements.

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) serves as the state housing agency and offers broader insights into housing initiatives across Colorado. For local applications in Cortez, interested individuals are encouraged to gather all necessary documentation and submit their applications promptly when waiting lists are open through the Housing Authority of the County of Montezuma.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Cortez

To apply for housing assistance in Cortez, Colorado, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the County of Montezuma, the housing authority serving this area. 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 $51,000/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 Cortez include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), 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).

Cortez, Colorado Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cortez, Colorado, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Montezuma County, CO area. A family of four must earn less than $51,000 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $83,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $21,450 $35,700 $57,150
2 Persons $24,500 $40,800 $65,300
3 Persons $27,550 $45,900 $73,450
4 Persons $32,150 $51,000 $81,600
5 Persons $37,650 $55,100 $88,150
6 Persons $43,150 $59,200 $94,700
7 Persons $48,650 $63,250 $101,200
8 Persons $54,150 $67,350 $107,750
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $83,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Cortez 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 Cortez and have active housing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Cortez?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Cortez, Colorado. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Cortez if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Cortez?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Cortez wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Colorado