Last Updated

23 hours ago

About City of Dubuque

The City of Dubuque, located in Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa (PHA Code: IA087), manages approximately 1,125 assisted housing units, primarily utilizing Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. This authority offers various programs designed to provide housing assistance to low-income families.

Currently, the Moderate Rehabilitation program is open for applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is closed, and the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is also closed. The status of Public Housing applications is unknown. Income limits apply, with the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Dubuque, IA MSA area set at $51,350 per year.

Applicants should be aware of recent program status changes. Recent activity for the Project-Based Voucher program included changes from open to closed, and separately, from open to opening_soon, highlighting its dynamic status. Those interested in housing assistance should monitor the Moderate Rehabilitation program, as it is currently accepting applications.

Moderate Rehabilitation Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jun 1, 2019

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This program provides assistance for 10 specific 1-bedroom and four specific 2-bedroom units, with historically very low turnover.

Opening Soon

1 upcoming

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Opening date has arrived — check availability!
Scheduled: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Check Now
Current Status

Opening date arrived — check if accepting applications

Details

The Project-Based Voucher waiting list for the City of Dubuque will open on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

You'll be notified when this waitlist opens. Get your documents ready now.

Other Programs

2 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

When open, applications are processed via a lottery with preference for non-elderly persons with disabilities and their families; only one application is permitted per household.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Pending

No specific information was found regarding a separate Public Housing waiting list managed directly by the City of Dubuque Housing Authority (PHA code: IA087).

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

PBV Closed Mar 26, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 25, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 24, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 21, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 20, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 19, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 17, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 15, 2026
HCV Opening Soon Mar 13, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 11, 2026
HCV Opening Soon Mar 6, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 5, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 24, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 21, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official City of Dubuque portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 350 W 6th St Ste 312
City Dubuque, IA 52001
PHA Code IA087
Section 8 Units 1,125

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at City of Dubuque

1

Check Current Status

City of Dubuque currently has 1 open waiting list (Moderate Rehabilitation). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at City of Dubuque, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $51,350/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official City of Dubuque portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at City of Dubuque, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. City of Dubuque manages approximately 1,125 assisted housing units (1,125 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Dubuque. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at City of Dubuque

Moderate Rehabilitation open

The Moderate Rehabilitation program at City of Dubuque provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Dubuque. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at City of Dubuque provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Dubuque. This program serves approximately 1,125 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at City of Dubuque are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Dubuque. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at City of Dubuque are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at City of Dubuque free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. City of Dubuque administers 4 programs (Moderate Rehabilitation, HCV, PBV, Public Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 350 W 6th St Ste 312, Dubuque, IA.
How long is the wait at City of Dubuque?
Wait times at City of Dubuque depend on demand in Dubuque, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,125 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 26, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact City of Dubuque directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of City of Dubuque, including Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority (6 mi), Housing Authority of the County of JoDaviess (13 mi), Platteville Housing Authority (19 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Iowa and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Iowa.
How do I contact City of Dubuque?
You can reach City of Dubuque by phone at (563) 589-4230. Their office is located at 350 W 6th St Ste 312, Dubuque, IA 52001. You can also email them at asteger@cityofdubuque.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for City of Dubuque?
Income limits for City of Dubuque are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Dubuque, IA MSA (currently $102,700). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $51,350. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

City of Dubuque Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the City of Dubuque are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Dubuque, IA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,350. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $21,600 $35,950 $57,550
2 Persons $24,650 $41,100 $65,750
3 Persons $27,750 $46,250 $73,950
4 Persons $32,150 $51,350 $82,150
5 Persons $37,650 $55,500 $88,750
6 Persons $43,150 $59,600 $95,300
7 Persons $48,650 $63,700 $101,900
8 Persons $54,150 $67,800 $108,450
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $102,700 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.