Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Missoula, Montana
There are 5 open waiting lists in the Missoula area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Missoula, Montana 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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, Montana
Missoula, Montana is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Missoula area. There are also 1 open waitlist within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Missoula include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Mainstream (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Missoula Housing Authority opened its HCV waitlist on Oct 20, 2022.
About Housing in Missoula, Montana
Affordable housing assistance in Missoula, Montana is primarily managed by the Missoula Housing Authority, which serves the region. There are approximately 1,109 assisted housing units available in the area. Currently, the Missoula Housing Authority maintains 5 open waiting lists and 1 closed list for various housing programs.
Programs currently accepting applications include Affordable Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, and Subsidized Housing. Please note that the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs currently have closed waiting lists through the Missoula Housing Authority. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Missoula, MT HUD Metro FMR Area is $49,250 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. Applicants should verify specific income requirements for their household size and the particular program they are interested in, as these can vary.
The Montana Department of Commerce - Housing Division also provides resources and oversight for housing initiatives across the state. Those seeking assistance are encouraged to thoroughly review the specific requirements and application processes for each program offered by the Missoula Housing Authority to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Missoula
To apply for housing assistance in Missoula, Montana, submit an application directly to Missoula Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 5 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 $49,250/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 Missoula include Subsidized Housing, Affordable Housing, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, 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).
Missoula, Montana Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Missoula, Montana, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Missoula, MT HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $49,250 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $106,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,700 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 2 Persons | $23,650 | $39,400 | $63,050 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $44,300 | $70,950 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,250 | $78,800 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,200 | $85,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,100 | $97,750 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,000 | $104,050 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Missoula 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 Missoula and have active housing programs.