Bay St Louis, MS

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Bay St Louis, Mississippi

There is 1 open waiting list in the Bay St Louis area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Bay St Louis, Mississippi 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 Bay St Louis, 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.

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Open Now
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Affordable Housing in Bay St Louis, Mississippi

Bay St Louis, Mississippi 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 Bay St Louis area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Bay St Louis include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Bay Waveland Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Bay St Louis, Mississippi

For individuals and families seeking affordable housing in Bay St Louis, Mississippi, primary services are provided by the Bay Waveland Housing Authority. The area currently has approximately 521 assisted housing units available through various programs. It is important for prospective applicants to note the current status of waiting lists. As of now, one waiting list is open for Public Housing programs, while the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program currently has a closed waiting list.

Income eligibility is a key factor for these programs. For instance, a very low-income family of four in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 would typically have an income limit of $40,300 per year. These limits can vary based on household size and specific program guidelines, so it's advisable to verify the current requirements directly with the housing authority. The Mississippi Home Corporation also plays a role in state-level housing initiatives.

To apply for assistance, you must submit an application directly to the Bay Waveland Housing Authority when a waitlist is open. It is recommended to check the status of waiting lists regularly, especially for programs like HCV, which may reopen periodically. Prompt application when a list opens is often crucial due to high demand.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Bay St Louis

To apply for housing assistance in Bay St Louis, Mississippi, submit an application directly to Bay Waveland Housing 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 $40,300/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 Bay St Louis include Public Housing, 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).

Bay St Louis, Mississippi Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Bay St Louis, Mississippi, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $40,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $80,600.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $16,950 $28,250 $45,150
2 Persons $21,150 $32,250 $51,600
3 Persons $26,650 $36,300 $58,050
4 Persons $32,150 $40,300 $64,500
5 Persons $37,650 $43,550 $69,700
6 Persons $43,150 $46,750 $74,850
7 Persons $48,650 $50,000 $80,000
8 Persons $53,200 $53,200 $85,150
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $80,600 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Bay St Louis 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 Bay St Louis?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Bay St Louis 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 Bay St Louis?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Bay St Louis 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 Mississippi