Hattiesburg, MS

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Hattiesburg area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg, 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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Agencies
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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Hattiesburg area. There are also 6 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Hattiesburg include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

The Housing Authority of the City of Hattiesburg opened its PBV waitlist .

About Housing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

If you are seeking affordable housing assistance in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the primary provider is The Housing Authority of the City of Hattiesburg. This authority manages programs designed to help low-income individuals and families find suitable housing options. Currently, there are two waiting lists open for applications, while one list is closed.

The Housing Authority of the City of Hattiesburg offers several key programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, though its waiting list is currently closed. However, applicants can seek assistance through the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program and the Public Housing program, both of which have open waiting lists at this time. Across the Hattiesburg area, approximately 296 assisted housing units are available through these programs.

Understanding the income requirements is crucial. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Hattiesburg, MS MSA area is $39,900 per year, based on FY2025 data. The state housing agency overseeing many of these initiatives is the Mississippi Home Corporation. Prospective applicants should regularly check the status of waiting lists and prepare necessary documentation to ensure a smooth application process.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Hattiesburg

To apply for housing assistance in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, submit an application directly to The Housing Authority of the City of Hattiesburg, the housing authority serving this area. 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 $39,900/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 Hattiesburg include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).

Hattiesburg, Mississippi Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Hattiesburg, MS MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $39,900 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $81,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $16,800 $27,950 $44,700
2 Persons $21,150 $31,950 $51,100
3 Persons $26,650 $35,900 $57,500
4 Persons $32,150 $39,900 $63,850
5 Persons $37,650 $43,100 $69,000
6 Persons $43,150 $46,300 $74,100
7 Persons $48,650 $49,500 $79,200
8 Persons $52,700 $52,700 $84,300
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $81,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Hattiesburg 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