Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Rock Island, Illinois
There are 24 open waiting lists in the Rock Island area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Rock Island, 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 Rock Island, 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 Rock Island, Illinois
Rock Island, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 24 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Rock Island area. There are also 26 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Rock Island include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Rock Island opened its Cascade Garden waitlist on Jun 15, 2026.
About Housing in Rock Island, Illinois
Federal rental assistance in Rock Island, Rock Island County is administered by Housing Authority of the City of Rock Island (HUD agency code IL018). It administers roughly 858 assisted housing units — 278 public housing units and 580 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 33 waiting lists across this agency. As of Mar 27, 2026, 24 are accepting applications. Another 26 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $48,850 per year, and as Low Income at or below $78,150 (HUD FY2025 limits).
How to Apply for Section 8 in Rock Island
To apply for housing assistance in Rock Island, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Rock Island, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 24 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 $48,850/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 Rock Island include Disaster Relief, Cascade Garden (1 Bedroom), Other (Voss Brothers Lofts 1 Bedroom Market Rate), Market Rate (Voss Brothers Lofts 1 Bedroom), Market Rate, Market Rate - Voss Brothers Lofts, Market Rate (Voss Brothers Lofts 2 Bedroom), Tax Credit, Lynden Lane (3 Bedroom Tax Credit), Cascade Garden, Specific Property, Disaster Relief Housing Assistance, Market Rate - Voss Brothers Lofts (2 Bedroom), Tax Credit - Lynden Lane (3 Bedroom), Other, Tax Credit - Cascade Garden (1 Bedroom), Market Rate - Voss Brothers Lofts (1 Bedroom), Market Rate - Voss Brothers Lofts (1-Bedroom), Tax Credit - Cascade Garden (1-Bedroom), Specific Property - Cascade Garden (1 Bedroom), Disaster Relief (Housing Assistance), Cascade Garden 1 Bedroom, Tax Credit - Lynden Lane (3-Bedroom), Market Rate - Cascade Garden, Other (Tax Credit - Lynden Lane), Other (Market Rate - Voss Brothers Lofts), Public Housing, Market Rate - Voss Brothers Lofts (2-Bedroom), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other (Voss Brothers Lofts 2 Bedroom Market Rate), Rental Housing Support Program (RHSP), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Rental Housing Support Program. 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).
Rock Island, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Rock Island, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $48,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $98,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,550 | $34,200 | $54,750 |
| 2 Persons | $23,450 | $39,100 | $62,550 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $44,000 | $70,350 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $48,850 | $78,150 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $52,800 | $84,450 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $56,700 | $90,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $60,600 | $96,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $64,500 | $103,200 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Rock Island 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 Rock Island and have active housing programs.