Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Athens, Ohio
There are 3 open waiting lists in the Athens area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Athens, Ohio 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 Athens, 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 Athens, Ohio
Athens, Ohio is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Athens area. There are also 18 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Athens include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist .
About Housing in Athens, Ohio
Athens, Ohio provides various affordable housing options for residents seeking assistance. The primary provider for these services is the Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority. Currently, this agency has three housing waitlists open for applications, offering opportunities for individuals and families in the area.
Programs with open waitlists include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, and Public Housing. Other vital programs available in Athens, though their waitlists are currently closed, include Dew House, Mainstream, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration). In total, Athens County benefits from approximately 911 assisted housing units designed to support low-income households.
To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four must typically have a household income at or below $44,700 per year to be considered Very Low Income for the Athens County area, based on FY2025 guidelines. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) also plays a role in state-level housing initiatives. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the status of waitlists and ensure all application requirements are met.
Housing Authorities in Athens
How to Apply for Section 8 in Athens
To apply for housing assistance in Athens, Ohio, submit an application directly to Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 3 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 $44,700/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 Athens include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream, Dew House. 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).
Athens, Ohio Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Athens, Ohio, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Athens County, OH area. A family of four must earn less than $44,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $89,400.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $18,800 | $31,300 | $50,050 |
| 2 Persons | $21,450 | $35,800 | $57,200 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $40,250 | $64,350 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $44,700 | $71,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $48,300 | $77,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $51,900 | $82,950 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $55,450 | $88,700 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $59,050 | $94,400 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Athens 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 Athens and have active housing programs.