Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority

Mankato, Minnesota

Last Updated

22 hours ago

About Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority

The Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority (PHA Code: MN167) oversees assisted housing programs in Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. This authority currently offers assistance through its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing program. Both the HCV and Public Housing waitlists are presently open for new applications, having recently changed status from closed to open.

The authority manages approximately 164 assisted housing units, comprising 99 units under the Housing Choice Voucher program and 65 Public Housing units. Eligibility for these programs is based on income guidelines. For example, a family of four in the Mankato, MN MSA area must meet the Very Low Income limit of $52,350 per year to be considered.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Mar 19, 2026

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The waiting list is open to households qualifying for residency preference in Blue Earth, Pipestone, or Rock counties (head/spouse) or broader for non-elderly disabled. Additional preferences include veterans and those displaced by natural disaster, government action, or domestic violence. Applicants must not exceed very low income limits, and only one application per household is allowed.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Mar 19, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The waiting list is open to households meeting occupancy standards for 1, 3, 4, or 5 bedroom units and qualifying for residency preference in Blue Earth County. Local preferences exist for veterans or those displaced by domestic violence, and applicants must meet income guidelines. Only one application per household is allowed.

Status History

Public Housing Opened Mar 19, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 19, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 17, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 7, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 4, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 23, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

City Mankato, MN 56001
PHA Code MN167
Section 8 Units 99
Public Housing Units 65

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority

1

Check Current Status

Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $52,350/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority manages approximately 164 assisted housing units (99 Section 8, 65 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Mankato. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Mankato. This program serves approximately 99 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority manages approximately 65 Public Housing units in Mankato. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority administers 2 programs (HCV, Public Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office.
How long is the wait at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority?
Wait times at Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority depend on demand in Mankato, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 164 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 19, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority, including Faribault County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (2 mi), Le Sueur County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (2 mi), Mankato Economic Development Authority (2 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Minnesota and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Minnesota.
How do I contact Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority?
You can reach Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority by phone at (507) 387-8636. You can also email them at nbokelmann@mankatomn.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority?
Income limits for Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Mankato, MN MSA (currently $104,700). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $52,350. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Mankato, MN MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $52,350. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $22,000 $36,650 $58,650
2 Persons $25,150 $41,900 $67,000
3 Persons $28,300 $47,150 $75,400
4 Persons $32,150 $52,350 $83,750
5 Persons $37,650 $56,550 $90,450
6 Persons $43,150 $60,750 $97,150
7 Persons $48,650 $64,950 $103,850
8 Persons $54,150 $69,150 $110,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $104,700 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.