Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Wilmington, North Carolina
All waiting lists in Wilmington are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Wilmington are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 1 open waitlist within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Wilmington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Wilmington right now, there are 1 open list 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 Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina, is primarily served by one housing authority: the Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington (HACW). Those seeking affordable housing assistance in the area should direct their inquiries to HACW. Currently, all housing assistance waitlists managed by HACW are closed. This includes programs for both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing, each of which has one list that is not accepting new applications at this time.
While there are approximately 3,119 assisted housing units in the Wilmington area, applicants will need to monitor HACW's official channels for announcements on when waitlists may reopen. Eligibility for these programs typically depends on household income and size. For example, a family of four must have a very low income of no more than $54,150 per year (based on FY2025 limits for the Wilmington, NC HUD Metro FMR Area) to qualify for certain types of assistance. It is essential to confirm the most current income guidelines and specific application requirements directly with HACW. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) also serves as the state housing agency, providing resources and information on affordable housing initiatives statewide.
Housing Authorities in Wilmington
How to Apply for Section 8 in Wilmington
To apply for housing assistance in Wilmington, North Carolina, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington, 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 $54,150/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 Wilmington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Wilmington, North Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Wilmington, North Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Wilmington, NC HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $54,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $110,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,750 | $37,950 | $60,700 |
| 2 Persons | $26,000 | $43,350 | $69,350 |
| 3 Persons | $29,250 | $48,750 | $78,000 |
| 4 Persons | $32,500 | $54,150 | $86,650 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $58,500 | $93,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $62,850 | $100,550 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $67,150 | $107,450 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $71,500 | $114,400 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Wilmington 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 Wilmington and have active housing programs.