Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in West Plains, Missouri
There are 3 open waiting lists in the West Plains area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving West Plains, 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 West Plains, 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 West Plains, Missouri
West Plains, Missouri is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the West Plains area. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in West Plains include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Howell County Public Housing Agency opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in West Plains, Missouri
West Plains, Missouri, offers affordable housing assistance through two dedicated agencies: the Howell County Public Housing Agency and the Housing Authority of the City of West Plains. Currently, 3 waiting lists are open for various housing programs in the area, while 1 list is presently closed. Programs available include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing.
To qualify for assistance, income limits apply. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Howell County, MO area is $38,550 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. There are approximately 1,222 assisted housing units available in the region overall. While Public Housing has 2 open waiting lists and HCV has 1 open list, other programs such as Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) are also present in the area, though their waiting lists are currently closed.
Applicants seeking assistance are advised to directly contact both the Howell County Public Housing Agency and the Housing Authority of the City of West Plains to inquire about specific program eligibility and current waiting list statuses, as these can change. The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) also serves as the state's housing finance agency.
How to Apply for Section 8 in West Plains
To apply for housing assistance in West Plains, Missouri, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the West Plains area (listed above). Right now, 3 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 $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 West Plains include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. 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).
West Plains, Missouri Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in West Plains, Missouri, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Howell 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 $64,100.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in West Plains 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 West Plains and have active housing programs.