Grand Forks, ND

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Grand Forks, North Dakota

There are 6 open waiting lists in the Grand Forks area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Grand Forks, North Dakota 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 Grand Forks, 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.

2
Agencies
6
Open Now
1
Closed

Affordable Housing in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 6 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Grand Forks area. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Grand Forks include Mainstream, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Mainstream (2 open), Public Housing (2 open), HCV (1 open), PBV (1 open).

Latest Opening

Grand Forks Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist .

About Housing in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota offers various affordable housing options to residents, with approximately 1,529 assisted housing units available. The area is primarily served by the Grand Forks Housing Authority and the Nelson County Housing Authority. Individuals seeking assistance can also look to the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency for state-level resources.

Currently, there are 6 open waiting lists and 1 closed list for housing assistance in Grand Forks. Programs offered include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has 1 list open out of 2 total. The Mainstream program has both of its 2 lists open, as does Public Housing with both of its 2 lists open. Additionally, the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program has its single list open. It is important to check the specific status of each program list when considering an application.

Eligibility for these programs depends on household income. For example, a family of four in the Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA area must have an income at or below $52,200 per year to qualify as Very Low Income for FY2025. Applicants are encouraged to research the specific income limits for their household size and program of interest, and to apply to all eligible open lists.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Grand Forks

To apply for housing assistance in Grand Forks, North Dakota, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Grand Forks area (listed above). Right now, 6 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 $52,200/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 Grand Forks include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, 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).

Grand Forks, North Dakota Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Grand Forks, North Dakota, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $52,200 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $102,800.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $21,950 $36,550 $58,450
2 Persons $25,050 $41,800 $66,800
3 Persons $28,200 $47,000 $75,150
4 Persons $32,150 $52,200 $83,500
5 Persons $37,650 $56,400 $90,200
6 Persons $43,150 $60,600 $96,900
7 Persons $48,650 $64,750 $103,550
8 Persons $54,150 $68,950 $110,250
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $102,800 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Grand Forks 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Grand Forks?
Yes — there are currently 6 open waiting lists in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Grand Forks if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Grand Forks?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Grand Forks wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in North Dakota