Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Iowa
Iowa has 63 housing authorities managing a combined 208 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 101 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 49%. This data was last verified on Jun 7, 2026.
Iowa offers various forms of affordable housing assistance through its network of housing authorities. Across the state, 63 housing authorities manage a total of 172 waiting lists for different programs. Currently, 80 of these lists are open, representing an open rate of 47%, while 55 lists are closed. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) serves as the state's housing agency, overseeing many of these efforts.
Applicants in Iowa can find assistance across numerous program types. Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs are widely available, with 63 lists and 25 currently open. Public Housing programs also have a significant presence, with 62 lists, 40 of which are open for new applications. Other programs offering assistance include PBV (9 lists, 1 open), RAD (7 lists, 1 open), and VASH (3 lists, 1 open). Additionally, specialized programs such as LIHTC, Moderate Rehabilitation, USDA, and Housing Rehabilitation each have one open list, demonstrating a diverse range of support options available.
When seeking housing assistance in Iowa, it is helpful to consider local demand. While cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids typically experience high demand for housing assistance, smaller cities often present immediate openings. Iowa's Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are generally smaller and tend to be more responsive. For instance, Mason City has 2 housing authorities with 2 open lists, Dubuque has 2 housing authorities with 11 open lists, and Waverly also has 2 housing authorities with 3 open lists. Burlington features 2 housing authorities with 1 open list, and Carroll has 1 housing authority with 1 open list. Recent activity shows shifts, such as Upper Explorerland Regional Housing Authority in Decorah changing its HCV list from closed to open, while Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency changed its Public Housing list from open to closed. This indicates the dynamic nature of waiting list availability.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Iowa include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (27 open), Public Housing (42 open), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (1 open), RAD (1 open), VASH (1 open). Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Iowa right now are Dubuque (17), Indianola (6), Waverly (4), Mason City (4), and Grimes (4) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Cedar Rapids Housing Services — Public Housing
Eligibility Requirements for Iowa
To qualify for assistance in Iowa, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA).
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Iowa legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.