Traverse City, MI

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Traverse City, Michigan

There are 6 open waiting lists in the Traverse City area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Traverse City, 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 Traverse City, 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.

1
Agencies
6
Open Now
1
Closed

Affordable Housing in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 6 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Traverse City area. There are also 11 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Traverse City include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Traverse City Housing Commission opened its other waitlist .

About Housing in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan, offers various affordable housing options primarily managed by the Traverse City Housing Commission. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) also plays a role in statewide housing efforts. In total, there are approximately 348 assisted housing units in the Traverse City area. Understanding the local housing landscape is a crucial first step for those seeking assistance.

Currently, the Traverse City Housing Commission has 6 waiting lists open for various housing programs. These include the NED Voucher program, Public Housing, and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Additionally, there are several open lists for 'Other' types of housing assistance, including a specific 'Other (NED Voucher)' option. While a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) list exists, it is currently closed. For eligibility guidance, a family of four in the Grand Traverse County area has a Very Low Income limit of $53,050 per year for FY2025.

It is important for prospective applicants to carefully review the specific eligibility requirements for each open waiting list. Programs often have varying income thresholds and criteria, and applying when lists are open is key to accessing available housing assistance in Traverse City.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Traverse City

To apply for housing assistance in Traverse City, Michigan, submit an application directly to Traverse City Housing Commission, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 6 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 $53,050/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 Traverse City include NED Voucher, other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other (NED Voucher), Public Housing, Other, 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).

Traverse City, Michigan Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Traverse City, Michigan, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Grand Traverse County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $53,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $106,100.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $22,300 $37,150 $59,450
2 Persons $25,500 $42,450 $67,950
3 Persons $28,700 $47,750 $76,450
4 Persons $32,150 $53,050 $84,900
5 Persons $37,650 $57,300 $91,700
6 Persons $43,150 $61,550 $98,500
7 Persons $48,650 $65,800 $105,300
8 Persons $54,150 $70,050 $112,100
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $106,100 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Traverse City 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 Traverse City?
Yes — there are currently 6 open waiting lists in Traverse City, Michigan. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Traverse City 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 Traverse City?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Traverse City 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