Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Owatonna, Minnesota
There is 1 open waiting list in the Owatonna area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Owatonna, 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 Owatonna, 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 Owatonna, Minnesota
Owatonna, Minnesota 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 Owatonna area. There are also 33 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Owatonna include Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Mainstream (1 open).
Latest Opening
Owatonna Housing and Redevelopment Authority opened its Mainstream waitlist on Mar 18, 2026.
About Housing in Owatonna, Minnesota
Owatonna, Minnesota, is served by the Owatonna Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OHRA), the primary local housing authority offering assistance programs. The area currently has approximately 157 assisted housing units available. Oversight and additional resources for housing initiatives in Minnesota are also provided by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.
For those seeking housing assistance in Owatonna, understanding the current waitlist status is crucial. The OHRA currently has one waiting list open and one closed. The only program with an open waiting list is the Mainstream program. Waiting lists for other significant programs, including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), are presently closed.
Eligibility for these programs is based on income requirements. For example, a family of four seeking very low-income assistance in Steele County for Fiscal Year 2025 must have an income at or below $57,400 per year. For precise eligibility criteria, application procedures, and updates on waitlist openings for any available programs, applicants are encouraged to contact the Owatonna Housing and Redevelopment Authority directly.
Housing Authorities in Owatonna
How to Apply for Section 8 in Owatonna
To apply for housing assistance in Owatonna, Minnesota, submit an application directly to Owatonna Housing and Redevelopment 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 $57,400/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 Owatonna include Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).
Owatonna, Minnesota Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Owatonna, Minnesota, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Steele County, MN area. A family of four must earn less than $57,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $114,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,150 | $40,200 | $64,300 |
| 2 Persons | $27,600 | $45,950 | $73,500 |
| 3 Persons | $31,050 | $51,700 | $82,700 |
| 4 Persons | $34,450 | $57,400 | $91,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $62,000 | $99,200 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,600 | $106,550 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $71,200 | $113,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,800 | $121,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Owatonna 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 Owatonna and have active housing programs.