Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Burlington, Iowa
There is 1 open waiting list in the Burlington area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Burlington, Iowa 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, Iowa
Burlington, Iowa is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Burlington area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Burlington include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington opened its Public Housing waitlist on Feb 18, 2026.
About Housing in Burlington, Iowa
Affordable housing assistance in Burlington, Iowa, is primarily managed by two housing authorities: the Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington and the Southeast Iowa Regional Housing Authority. Prospective applicants should note that currently, only one housing waitlist is open, while two others are closed across the service area. Available programs include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). Out of these, the Public Housing program is the only one with an open waitlist at this time.
To qualify for most affordable housing programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four in the Des Moines County, IA area seeking Very Low Income assistance must earn no more than $46,000 per year, based on FY2025 guidelines. Burlington and the surrounding area offer approximately 819 assisted housing units in total. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) serves as the state housing agency, providing broader oversight and resources.
It is crucial for individuals seeking housing assistance to contact the Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington and the Southeast Iowa Regional Housing Authority directly for the most current information on waitlist openings, specific program eligibility, and application procedures. Regularly checking with these agencies is recommended, as waitlist statuses can change.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Burlington
To apply for housing assistance in Burlington, Iowa, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Burlington area (listed above). Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $46,000/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 Burlington include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream. 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).
Burlington, Iowa Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Burlington, Iowa, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Des Moines County, IA area. A family of four must earn less than $46,000 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $85,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,350 | $32,200 | $51,550 |
| 2 Persons | $22,100 | $36,800 | $58,900 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,400 | $66,250 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,000 | $73,600 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $53,400 | $85,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $57,050 | $91,300 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $60,750 | $97,200 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Burlington 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 Burlington and have active housing programs.