Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Mount Vernon, Illinois
All waiting lists in Mount Vernon are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Mount Vernon, Illinois 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 Mount Vernon, 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 Mount Vernon, Illinois
Mount Vernon, Illinois is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Mount Vernon are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 18 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Mount Vernon include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Mount Vernon right now, there are 18 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Mount Vernon, Illinois
Federal rental assistance in Mount Vernon, Jefferson County is administered by 2 housing authorities: Housing Authority of Jefferson County and Housing Authority of Mt. Vernon. Together they administer roughly 483 assisted housing units — 314 public housing units and 169 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 12 waiting lists across these agencies. As of May 27, 2026, none are accepting applications. Another 18 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Jefferson County, IL. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $43,300 per year, and as Low Income at or below $69,300 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Mount Vernon
Housing Authority of Jefferson County
Mount Vernon, Illinois · IL059
Housing Authority of Mt. Vernon
Mount Vernon, Illinois · IL123
How to Apply for Section 8 in Mount Vernon
To apply for housing assistance in Mount Vernon, Illinois, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Mount Vernon area (listed above). 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 $43,300/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 Mount Vernon include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), LIHTC (College Oaks), Multifamily (Rose Lane), Multifamily (Rose Lane Apartments), Multifamily, LIHTC. 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).
Mount Vernon, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Mount Vernon, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Jefferson County, IL area. A family of four must earn less than $43,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $80,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $18,200 | $30,350 | $48,550 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $34,650 | $55,450 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $39,000 | $62,400 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $43,300 | $69,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $46,800 | $74,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $50,250 | $80,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $53,700 | $85,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $57,200 | $91,500 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon and have active housing programs.