Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Salem, Oregon
All waiting lists in Salem are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Salem, 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 Salem, 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 Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Salem are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 45 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Salem include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Salem right now, there are 45 open lists 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 Salem, Oregon
Federal rental assistance in Salem, Marion County is administered by 2 housing authorities: Housing Authority of the City of Salem and Marion County Housing Authority. Together they administer roughly 4,689 assisted housing units — 137 public housing units and 4,552 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 27 waiting lists across these agencies. As of May 3, 2026, none are accepting applications. Another 45 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Salem, OR MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $46,300 per year, and as Low Income at or below $74,100 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Salem
Housing Authority of the City of Salem
Salem, Oregon · OR011
Marion County Housing Authority
Salem, Oregon · OR014
How to Apply for Section 8 in Salem
To apply for housing assistance in Salem, Oregon, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Salem area (listed above). 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 $46,300/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 Salem include PBRA (Salem Housing Preservation 4 and 9), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Moderate Rehabilitation, PBRA - Englewood East, Public Housing, Affordable Housing, SRO, PBRA (Englewood East - 1 Bedroom), HUD 202 (Englewood East - 2 Bedroom), Salem Housing Preservation 4, Englewood West (Elderly Housing), Parkway East Apartments, Parkway West Apartments, RAD, Mainstream, Englewood West, Parkway West, Leased Apartments Program, Other, HUD 202/8, PBRA, Farm Labor 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).
Salem, Oregon Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Salem, Oregon, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Salem, OR MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $46,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $92,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,500 | $32,450 | $51,900 |
| 2 Persons | $22,250 | $37,050 | $59,300 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,700 | $66,700 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,300 | $74,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,050 | $80,050 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $53,750 | $86,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $57,450 | $91,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $61,150 | $97,850 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Salem 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 Salem and have active housing programs.