Houghton, MI

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Houghton, Michigan

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Houghton area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Houghton, Michigan 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 Houghton, 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.

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Affordable Housing in Houghton, Michigan

Houghton, Michigan 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 Houghton area. There are also 6 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Houghton 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

Houghton Housing Commission opened its HCV waitlist .

About Housing in Houghton, Michigan

For those seeking affordable housing in Houghton, Michigan, the Houghton Housing Commission is the primary housing authority serving the area. This commission currently has two open waiting lists for individuals and families in need of rental assistance. Programs available through the Houghton Housing Commission include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. There are approximately 70 assisted housing units in the Houghton area supported by these programs.

To be eligible for housing assistance, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in Houghton County is $44,100 per year, as of FY2025. Income limits are determined based on family size and the specific program. Applications are managed directly by the Houghton Housing Commission.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is the state housing agency for Michigan. If you are seeking housing assistance in Houghton, it is advisable to contact the Houghton Housing Commission directly to learn about program details, current eligibility criteria, and how to apply. Understanding and meeting the specific income and program requirements is a crucial step in the application process.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Houghton

To apply for housing assistance in Houghton, Michigan, submit an application directly to Houghton Housing Commission, 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 $44,100/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 Houghton include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).

Houghton, Michigan Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Houghton, Michigan, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Houghton County, MI area. A family of four must earn less than $44,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $88,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $18,550 $30,900 $49,400
2 Persons $21,200 $35,300 $56,450
3 Persons $26,650 $39,700 $63,500
4 Persons $32,150 $44,100 $70,550
5 Persons $37,650 $47,650 $76,200
6 Persons $43,150 $51,200 $81,850
7 Persons $48,650 $54,700 $87,500
8 Persons $54,150 $58,250 $93,150
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $88,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Houghton 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Houghton?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Houghton, Michigan. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Houghton if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Houghton?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Houghton wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Michigan