Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Portland, Oregon
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Portland area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Portland, Oregon 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 Portland, 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 Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Portland area. There are also 18 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Portland include RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing.
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of Portland opened its Other waitlist .
About Housing in Portland, Oregon
Affordable housing assistance in Portland, Oregon is primarily managed by the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP). The area currently provides approximately 12,773 assisted housing units. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA area is $62,050 per year (FY2025). The state housing agency for Oregon is Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
Currently, HAP has 4 waiting lists open for various housing programs, while 5 are closed. Open programs include Affordable Rental Housing (N/NE Preference Policy), N/NE Preference Policy (Rental), Other, and Rental Housing - N/NE Preference. These programs offer different types of rental assistance, often with specific eligibility criteria. Programs such as HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Property-Based Housing, Property-based, Public Housing, and RAD currently have closed waiting lists.
Applicants seeking assistance should regularly check for updates on waitlist statuses as they can change frequently. It is important to review the specific income requirements and application guidelines for each program. Preparing all necessary documentation beforehand can help streamline the application process when a suitable waitlist opens.
Housing Authorities in Portland
How to Apply for Section 8 in Portland
To apply for housing assistance in Portland, Oregon, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Portland, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 4 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 $62,050/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 Portland include N/NE Preference Policy (Rental), Other, Affordable Rental Housing (N/NE Preference Policy), Rental Housing - N/NE Preference, Public Housing, Property-Based Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Property-based, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD. 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).
Portland, Oregon Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Portland, Oregon, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $62,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $124,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $26,100 | $43,450 | $69,550 |
| 2 Persons | $29,800 | $49,650 | $79,450 |
| 3 Persons | $33,550 | $55,850 | $89,400 |
| 4 Persons | $37,250 | $62,050 | $99,300 |
| 5 Persons | $40,250 | $67,050 | $107,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,250 | $72,000 | $115,200 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $76,950 | $123,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $81,950 | $131,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Portland 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 Portland and have active housing programs.