Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Essex, Iowa
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Essex area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Essex, 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 Essex, 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 Essex, Iowa
Essex, Iowa is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Essex area. There are also 31 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Essex include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Essex Low Rent Housing Agency opened its HCV waitlist .
About Housing in Essex, Iowa
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Essex, Iowa, the primary local authority is the Essex Low Rent Housing Agency. This agency currently manages two open waiting lists for housing programs. Available programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has one open waiting list, and the Public Housing program, also with one open waiting list. There are approximately 16 assisted housing units available within the Essex area to help meet local housing needs.
Eligibility for these programs is determined by several factors, including household income and family size. For example, a family of four seeking Very Low Income assistance in the Page County, IA area for Fiscal Year 2025 would generally need to have an annual income at or below $46,000. Income limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary based on household composition. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) serves as the state housing agency, overseeing various housing initiatives across Iowa.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Essex Low Rent Housing Agency directly for specific application details and current waitlist status. It is crucial to provide accurate information on all application forms and to keep your contact information updated with the housing authority once you have applied. Housing assistance programs typically have specific requirements that must be met throughout the application and tenancy process.
Housing Authorities in Essex
How to Apply for Section 8 in Essex
To apply for housing assistance in Essex, Iowa, submit an application directly to Essex Low Rent Housing Agency, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 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 $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 Essex include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Essex, Iowa Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Essex, Iowa, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Page 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 $82,100.
| 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 Essex 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 Essex and have active housing programs.