Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Paris, Illinois
All waiting lists in Paris are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Paris, 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 Paris, 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 Paris, Illinois
Paris, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Paris are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 20 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Paris include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Paris right now, there are 20 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 Paris, Illinois
Federal rental assistance in Paris, Edgar County is administered by Housing Authority of Edgar County (HUD agency code IL120). It administers roughly 279 assisted housing units — 200 public housing units and 79 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 2 waiting lists across this agency. As of Oct 6, 2026, none are accepting applications. Another 20 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Edgar 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 Paris
How to Apply for Section 8 in Paris
To apply for housing assistance in Paris, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Edgar County, 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 $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 Paris include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Paris, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Paris, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Edgar 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 $80,300.
| 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 Paris 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 Paris and have active housing programs.