Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
All waiting lists in Harrisburg are currently closed. 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. Currently, all waitlists in Harrisburg are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 37 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Harrisburg include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Harrisburg right now, there are 37 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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are primarily served by the Harrisburg Housing Authority. This agency manages vital programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. It is important for applicants to note that currently, all three of these waiting lists are closed to new applicants. This means the Harrisburg Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any of its housing assistance programs at this time, and prospective tenants cannot apply until lists reopen.
Despite the current closures, there are approximately 3,270 assisted housing units in the area, and understanding eligibility criteria is key. For example, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is set at $52,700 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. This benchmark helps determine eligibility for various programs. We encourage those seeking assistance to regularly check the Harrisburg Housing Authority's official announcements for any changes in waiting list status. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is the state housing agency, supporting affordable housing initiatives statewide.
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. 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 $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 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public 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).
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.