Wooster, OH

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Wooster, Ohio

There are 8 open waiting lists in the Wooster area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Wooster, 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 Wooster, 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.

1
Agencies
8
Open Now
5
Closed

Affordable Housing in Wooster, Ohio

Wooster, Ohio is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 8 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Wooster area. There are also 26 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Wayne Metropolitian Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist on Oct 18, 2023.

About Housing in Wooster, Ohio

Affordable housing assistance in Wooster, Ohio is primarily administered by the Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority. There are approximately 1,186 assisted housing units available across the area. Eligibility for many programs is based on income; for example, a family of four must generally be at or below $44,750 per year to qualify as very low income in Wayne County for FY2025. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) also plays a role in state-level housing initiatives.

Currently, the Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority has 8 open housing waiting lists, while 5 lists are closed. Programs with open waitlists include Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and various Other (Property-Based) options. Specific property-based opportunities currently accepting applications include Secrest Village Apartments and Secrest Village Apartments (Elderly/Disabled), as well as Shreve Manor Apartments and Shreve Manor Apartments (Elderly/Disabled). Those seeking assistance should review program details carefully and apply to all eligible open lists as they become available.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Wooster

To apply for housing assistance in Wooster, Ohio, submit an application directly to Wayne Metropolitian Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 8 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 $44,750/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 Wooster include Public Housing, Shreve Manor Apartments (Elderly/Disabled), Shreve Manor Apartments, Other (Property-Based), other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Secrest Village Apartments, Secrest Village Apartments (Elderly/Disabled), Other (Interfaith Properties), Interfaith Properties, Other, Other (Property-Based) - Interfaith Properties, 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).

Wooster, Ohio Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Wooster, Ohio, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Wayne County, OH area. A family of four must earn less than $44,750 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $89,500.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $18,800 $31,350 $50,150
2 Persons $21,500 $35,800 $57,300
3 Persons $26,650 $40,300 $64,450
4 Persons $32,150 $44,750 $71,600
5 Persons $37,650 $48,350 $77,350
6 Persons $43,150 $51,950 $83,100
7 Persons $48,650 $55,500 $88,800
8 Persons $54,150 $59,100 $94,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $89,500 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Wooster 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 Wooster?
Yes — there are currently 8 open waiting lists in Wooster, Ohio. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Wooster 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 Wooster?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Wooster 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 Ohio