Charleston, MO

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Charleston, Missouri

There is 1 open waiting list in the Charleston area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Charleston, Missouri 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, Missouri

Charleston, Missouri 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 Charleston area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Charleston opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Charleston, Missouri

Charleston, Missouri offers affordable housing assistance primarily through the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston (HACC). The area has approximately 278 assisted housing units available to help low-income individuals and families secure stable and affordable homes.

For those seeking assistance, the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston currently has one open waiting list for its Public Housing program. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which is often referred to as Section 8, currently has a closed waiting list. Applicants interested in the HCV program should regularly check with HACC for updates on when this waiting list might reopen, as availability can change.

Eligibility for these programs is determined by factors such as income and household size. For instance, a very low-income family of four in Mississippi County, MO, for Fiscal Year 2025, would typically have an income limit of $38,550 per year. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) serves as the state housing agency, providing statewide oversight and resources for affordable housing initiatives. It is recommended to contact the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston directly for precise application procedures and current eligibility requirements.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Charleston

To apply for housing assistance in Charleston, Missouri, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, 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 $38,550/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 Charleston 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).

Charleston, Missouri Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Charleston, Missouri, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Mississippi County, MO area. A family of four must earn less than $38,550 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $57,800.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $16,250 $27,000 $43,200
2 Persons $21,150 $30,850 $49,400
3 Persons $26,650 $34,700 $55,550
4 Persons $32,150 $38,550 $61,700
5 Persons $37,650 $41,650 $66,650
6 Persons $43,150 $44,700 $71,600
7 Persons $47,800 $47,800 $76,550
8 Persons $50,900 $50,900 $81,450
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $57,800 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

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