Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Harrisburg area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 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 Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Harrisburg area. There are also 33 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Harrisburg include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Harrisburg Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist on Apr 30, 2026.
About Housing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Federal rental assistance in Harrisburg, Dauphin County is administered by Harrisburg Housing Authority (HUD agency code PA008). It administers roughly 3,270 assisted housing units — 1,750 public housing units and 1,520 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 3 waiting lists across this agency. As of Aug 17, 2026, 2 are accepting applications. Another 33 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $52,700 per year, and as Low Income at or below $84,300 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Harrisburg
How to Apply for Section 8 in Harrisburg
To apply for housing assistance in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Harrisburg Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 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 $52,700/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 Harrisburg include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $52,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $105,400.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,150 | $36,900 | $59,050 |
| 2 Persons | $25,300 | $42,200 | $67,450 |
| 3 Persons | $28,450 | $47,450 | $75,900 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $52,700 | $84,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $56,950 | $91,050 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $61,150 | $97,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $65,350 | $104,550 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $69,600 | $111,300 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg and have active housing programs.