Last Updated
19 hours ago
About Marion County Housing Authority
The Marion County Housing Authority (PHA Code: OR014) serves Salem, Marion County, Oregon. This authority manages approximately 1,223 assisted housing units, which include 1,223 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Currently, the Marion County Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Public Housing programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Farm Labor Housing programs are presently closed to new applicants. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Salem, OR MSA area is $46,300 per year. Applicants must meet specific income and eligibility requirements for the programs they apply to.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Sep 22, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program serves Marion County residents outside the Urban Growth Boundary of Salem and Keizer.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program serves Marion County residents outside the Urban Growth Boundary of Salem and Keizer, with immediate availability for 2-bedroom units at Wood Park Terrace (Woodburn) and Spruce Terrace (Mt. Angel).
Other Programs
2 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The waitlist for Farm Labor Housing closed on April 1, 2025. MCHA provides housing assistance in Marion County, but not in Salem or Keizer.
The Marion County Housing Authority (MCHA) Housing Choice Voucher program serves areas of Marion County outside the Salem/Keizer Urban Growth Boundary. Applicants must meet income, citizenship/immigrant requirements, and established preferences; estimated wait times range from 2 to 7+ years.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Marion County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Marion County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Marion County Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Marion County Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $46,300/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Marion County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Marion County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Marion County Housing Authority manages approximately 1,223 assisted housing units (1,223 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Salem. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Marion County Housing Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Marion County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Salem. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Marion County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Farm Labor Housing closed
The Farm Labor Housing program at Marion County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Salem. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Marion County Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Salem. This program serves approximately 1,223 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Marion County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Marion County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Marion County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Marion County Housing Authority?
Marion County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Marion County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Salem, OR MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,300. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| 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 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Marion County Housing Authority — including across state lines.