Marion County Housing Authority
Salem, Oregon
Last Updated
2 days ago
About Marion County Housing Authority
Marion County Housing Authority (HUD agency code OR014) is the public housing agency serving Salem, Marion County, Oregon. It administers 1,223 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 5 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing, Rural Development. As of Jul 7, 2026, all 5 tracked lists are closed to new applications.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the 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). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 28 status changes at this agency, most recently on Aug 22, 2026.
Other Programs
5 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 the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is currently closed and has been since May 2023. Estimated wait times when open range from 2 to 7+ years. The Marion County Housing Authority does not provide housing assistance for this program in Salem or Keizer, but in other areas of Marion County. Eligibility includes meeting income requirements, passing a criminal background check, and having at least one family member who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Priority is given based on established priorities.
MCHA provides housing assistance in Marion County, but not in Salem or Keizer.
The waitlist for Project Based Vouchers (PBV) is currently closed. The Marion County Housing Authority does not provide housing assistance for this program in Salem or Keizer.
Waitlists for all Housing Owned Properties are currently closed. The Senior MCHA-Owned waiting list was last open on April 19, 2024, with no notice of reopening. The Marion County Housing Authority operates 1,212 units of public housing but does not provide housing assistance in Salem or Keizer for these properties. Waitlists for these properties are typically first-come, first-served.
The Farm Labor Housing program is currently closed to new applicants.
Status History
Deadline: Aug 14, 2026
Official Application
Contact Marion County Housing Authority directly to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: 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
All 5 waiting lists at Marion County Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
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
Contact Marion County Housing Authority directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 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.
Other Other Programs closed
The Other Programs 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
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 closed
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.
Rural Development USDA Rural Development Housing closed
The USDA Rural Development 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.
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.