Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Santa Fe, New Mexico
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Santa Fe area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Santa Fe, New Mexico 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 Santa Fe, 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 Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Santa Fe area. There are also 6 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Santa Fe include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, VASH. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open).
Latest Opening
Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Santa Fe, New Mexico
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Santa Fe, New Mexico, two primary housing authorities serve the area: the Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Fe. These agencies manage approximately 1,971 assisted housing units collectively. Understanding which authority serves your specific needs and the programs they offer is the first step in your housing search.
Currently, across both authorities, there are 2 waiting lists open for housing assistance, with 4 lists closed. Programs available include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, and VASH. It's important to note that as of now, only Public Housing programs have open waiting lists (2 lists open), while HCV, Mainstream, and VASH programs currently have no open lists. To qualify for many programs, such as Very Low Income assistance, a family of four in the Santa Fe, NM MSA area must have an annual income no higher than $49,750, based on FY2025 limits.
Applicants should directly contact the Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Fe for the most current information on eligibility, specific program details, and application procedures for their open Public Housing waitlists. The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) also serves as the state housing agency, overseeing and supporting affordable housing initiatives across New Mexico.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Santa Fe
To apply for housing assistance in Santa Fe, New Mexico, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Santa Fe area (listed above). 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 $49,750/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 Santa Fe include Public Housing, VASH, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. 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).
Santa Fe, New Mexico Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Santa Fe, NM MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $49,750 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $99,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,900 | $34,850 | $55,750 |
| 2 Persons | $23,900 | $39,800 | $63,700 |
| 3 Persons | $26,900 | $44,800 | $71,650 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,750 | $79,600 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,750 | $86,000 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,750 | $92,350 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,700 | $98,750 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,700 | $105,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe and have active housing programs.