Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
All waiting lists in Chapel Hill are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Chapel Hill, North Carolina 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 Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Chapel Hill are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 31 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Chapel Hill include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Chapel Hill right now, there are 31 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is served by the Town of Chapel Hill Department of Housing for those seeking affordable housing assistance. It is important to note the current status of housing waitlists in the area. Presently, there are 0 waiting lists open, while 3 are closed.
The Town of Chapel Hill Department of Housing offers various programs designed to support eligible residents. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Transitional Housing programs. However, all waitlists for these specific programs are currently closed. The area provides approximately 298 assisted housing units. For a family of four in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit is $57,800 per year, according to FY2025 guidelines. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) serves as the state housing agency. Individuals interested in applying for assistance should regularly contact the Town of Chapel Hill Department of Housing directly for any updates on waitlist openings and application procedures.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Chapel Hill
To apply for housing assistance in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, submit an application directly to Town of Chapel Hill Department of Housing, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $57,800/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 Chapel Hill include Transitional Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Chapel Hill, North Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $126,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,300 | $40,500 | $64,750 |
| 2 Persons | $27,800 | $46,250 | $74,000 |
| 3 Persons | $31,250 | $52,050 | $83,250 |
| 4 Persons | $34,700 | $57,800 | $92,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $62,450 | $99,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $67,050 | $107,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $71,700 | $114,700 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $76,300 | $122,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill and have active housing programs.