Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Raleigh, North Carolina
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Raleigh area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina 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 Raleigh area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Raleigh include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), VASH. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Raleigh opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina is supported by two key housing authorities: the Housing Authority of the City of Raleigh and the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs. These agencies collectively oversee approximately 6,519 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, two waiting lists are open for new applications, while four other lists are closed.
For those seeking housing assistance in Raleigh, available programs include Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Public Housing. Presently, one HCV waiting list and one Public Housing waiting list are accepting applications. Other programs like Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and HUD-VASH Vouchers also exist in Raleigh, though their waiting lists are not currently open to new applicants.
To be eligible for most programs, households must meet specific income guidelines. For a family of four in the Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA area, the Very Low Income limit for FY2025 is $66,350 per year. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) serves as the state housing agency. Applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor the status of waiting lists and apply directly with the relevant housing authority as soon as a list opens.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Raleigh
To apply for housing assistance in Raleigh, North Carolina, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Raleigh 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 $66,350/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 Raleigh include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, VASH, EHV. 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).
Raleigh, North Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Raleigh, North Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $66,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $132,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $27,900 | $46,450 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $31,850 | $53,100 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $35,850 | $59,750 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $39,800 | $66,350 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $43,000 | $71,700 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $46,200 | $77,000 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $49,400 | $82,300 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $87,600 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Raleigh 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 Raleigh and have active housing programs.