Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Austin, Minnesota
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Austin area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Austin, Minnesota 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 Austin, 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 Austin, Minnesota
Austin, Minnesota is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Austin area. There are also 28 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Austin 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
Mower County Housing and Redevelopment Authority opened its HCV waitlist .
About Housing in Austin, Minnesota
Austin, Minnesota, offers various affordable housing options for eligible residents. The community is served by two main housing authorities: the Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Austin and the Mower County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. These agencies manage approximately 627 assisted housing units throughout the area, providing crucial support to families and individuals seeking stable housing.
Currently, two waiting lists are open out of a total of four managed by these authorities. Available programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has two lists with one currently open, and Public Housing, which also has two lists with one currently open. The Bridges Assistance Program has one list, which is presently closed. To be eligible for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four must generally earn no more than $49,250 per year to meet the Very Low Income standard in Mower County for FY2025.
Prospective applicants should directly contact the Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Austin and the Mower County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for the most up-to-date information on program availability and application procedures. It is advisable to frequently check for updates, as waiting list statuses can change. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency is the state housing agency, which may also offer resources and information for residents seeking housing assistance in Minnesota.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Austin
To apply for housing assistance in Austin, Minnesota, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Austin area (listed above). 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 $49,250/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 Austin include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Bridges Assistance Program. 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).
Austin, Minnesota Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Austin, Minnesota, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Mower County, MN area. A family of four must earn less than $49,250 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $98,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,700 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 2 Persons | $23,650 | $39,400 | $63,050 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $44,350 | $70,950 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,250 | $78,800 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,200 | $85,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,100 | $97,750 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,050 | $104,050 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Austin 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 Austin and have active housing programs.