Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Council Bluffs, Iowa
There is 1 open waiting list in the Council Bluffs area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Council Bluffs, 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 Council Bluffs, 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 Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, Iowa is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Council Bluffs area. There are also 39 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Council Bluffs include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers various affordable housing options primarily managed by the Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs (MHA). This agency is crucial for residents seeking assistance, administering programs that help families and individuals find suitable housing within the area.
Currently, the MHA of Council Bluffs has one waiting list open for its Public Housing program. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Mainstream program each have one waiting list, both of which are currently closed to new applicants. It is advisable to check frequently for updates on closed lists, as their status can change.
For a family of four, the very low income limit for the Omaha-Council Bluffs area is $56,850 per year (FY2025), which is a key factor in determining eligibility for most programs. Across Council Bluffs, there are approximately 1,079 assisted housing units available. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) also serves as the state housing agency. If you are seeking assistance, carefully review program requirements and apply to open waitlists as soon as possible.
Housing Authorities in Council Bluffs
How to Apply for Section 8 in Council Bluffs
To apply for housing assistance in Council Bluffs, Iowa, submit an application directly to Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs, the housing authority serving this area. 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 $56,850/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 Council Bluffs include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), 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).
Council Bluffs, Iowa Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Council Bluffs, Iowa, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $56,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $113,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $23,900 | $39,800 | $63,700 |
| 2 Persons | $27,300 | $45,500 | $72,800 |
| 3 Persons | $30,700 | $51,200 | $81,900 |
| 4 Persons | $34,100 | $56,850 | $90,950 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $61,400 | $98,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $65,950 | $105,550 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,050 | $120,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs and have active housing programs.