Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Waterloo, Iowa
There is 1 open waiting list in the Waterloo area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Waterloo, 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 Waterloo, 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 Waterloo, Iowa
Waterloo, 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 Waterloo area. There are also 8 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Waterloo include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD, VASH, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Waterloo Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Waterloo, Iowa
Affordable housing assistance in Waterloo, Iowa is primarily administered by the Waterloo Housing Authority. As of the latest information, all waiting lists for housing programs in Waterloo are currently closed. These programs include Foster Youth to Independence, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH). The Waterloo area provides approximately 1,141 assisted housing units to serve residents.
Eligibility for these housing programs is based on income limits set by HUD. For instance, a very low-income family of four in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area must have an annual income of $46,000 or less, according to FY2025 guidelines. While waitlists are currently closed, it is advisable for individuals seeking assistance to regularly check directly with the Waterloo Housing Authority for any updates on future openings. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) also serves as the state's housing agency and may offer additional resources or information on housing initiatives across Iowa.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Waterloo
To apply for housing assistance in Waterloo, Iowa, submit an application directly to Waterloo Housing Authority, 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 $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 Waterloo include Public Housing, Foster Youth to Independence, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), VASH, Mainstream, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Waterloo, Iowa Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Waterloo, Iowa, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area 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 $90,400.
| 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo and have active housing programs.