Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Smithfield, North Carolina
All waiting lists in Smithfield are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Smithfield, 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 Smithfield, 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 Smithfield, North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Smithfield are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 17 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Smithfield include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Smithfield right now, there are 17 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 Smithfield, North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina, offers various affordable housing options, primarily managed by two local agencies: the Johnston County Housing Assistance Payments Program and the Smithfield Housing Authority. These authorities administer crucial programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Currently, all four waiting lists across these programs are closed, with no new applications being accepted. This includes two lists for HCV and two for Public Housing.
In total, approximately 839 assisted housing units serve the Smithfield area. For those considering applying when lists reopen, it's important to be aware of income requirements. For example, a family of four in the Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA area (which encompasses Smithfield) would need to have an income at or below $66,350 annually to qualify as Very Low Income for many federal housing assistance programs (FY2025 data). Income limits are updated yearly and vary by household size and specific program guidelines.
While no applications are being taken at present, prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor the websites or contact offices of both the Johnston County Housing Assistance Payments Program and the Smithfield Housing Authority for updates on when waiting lists may reopen. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) is also a valuable state resource for housing information.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Smithfield
To apply for housing assistance in Smithfield, North Carolina, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Smithfield area (listed above). 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 $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 Smithfield include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Smithfield, North Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Smithfield, 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 Smithfield 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 Smithfield and have active housing programs.