Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Saint Paul, Minnesota
There are 8 open waiting lists in the Saint Paul area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 4 housing authorities serving Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota is served by 4 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 8 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Saint Paul area. There are also 76 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Saint Paul include Public Housing, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), RAD (1 open).
Latest Opening
Public Housing Agency of the City of St Paul opened its RAD waitlist on Jul 21, 2025.
About Housing in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota offers approximately 12,980 assisted housing units, with services provided by four key housing authorities: Metropolitan Council, Public Housing Agency of the City of St Paul, Mental Health Resources, and Radias Health. These agencies administer various programs designed to assist low-income residents in securing stable housing. For a family of four, the very low income limit for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area is currently $66,200 per year, as established by HUD for FY2025.
Currently, there are 9 open waiting lists for housing assistance in Saint Paul, while 17 others are closed. Programs accepting new applications include Public Housing (with 3 lists currently open), RAD (1 list open), Multifamily Housing (2 lists open), Multifamily Housing (0-5 Bedroom Apartments) (1 list open), Permanent Supportive Housing (1 list open), and Housing Navigation (1 list open). Programs such as HCV, PBV, and Mainstream are not currently accepting new applications.
When seeking housing assistance, it is important to understand which programs align with your household's needs and to apply promptly when lists are open. Applicants should carefully review the specific eligibility requirements for each program. Contacting the individual housing authorities directly can provide the most current information regarding application processes and status updates. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency also serves as the state's housing agency, offering resources and programs statewide.
Housing Authorities in Saint Paul
Mental Health Resources
Saint Paul, Minnesota · MN801
Metropolitan Council
Saint Paul, Minnesota · MN163
Public Housing Agency of the City of St Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota · MN001
Radias Health
Saint Paul, Minnesota · MN802
How to Apply for Section 8 in Saint Paul
To apply for housing assistance in Saint Paul, Minnesota, submit an application directly to one of the 4 housing authorities serving the Saint Paul area (listed above). Right now, 8 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 $66,200/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 Saint Paul include Multifamily Housing, Public Housing, RAD, Multifamily Housing (0-5 Bedroom Apartments), Permanent Supportive Housing, Housing Navigation, Bridges, Mainstream, Housing Voucher, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Supportive Housing (Housing Support Program), Housing Support, Supportive Housing Services, Residential Support, Supportive Housing (Main Street Housing), Supportive Housing, Housing Trust Fund, Ramsey Supportive Housing Voucher, Mental Health Resources, Residential Support Services, Housing Navigation Program, Housing Support Program, Supportive Housing (Extended Care Apartments), Permanent Supportive Housing (Main Street Housing), Main Street Housing, Other (Housing Support 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).
Saint Paul, Minnesota Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Saint Paul, Minnesota, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $66,200 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $132,400.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $27,800 | $46,350 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $31,800 | $53,000 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $35,750 | $59,600 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $39,700 | $66,200 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $42,900 | $71,500 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $46,100 | $76,800 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $49,250 | $82,100 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $87,400 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul and have active housing programs.