York, PA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in York, Pennsylvania

There are 12 open waiting lists in the York area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving York, 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 York, 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.

1
Agencies
12
Open Now
4
Closed

Affordable Housing in York, Pennsylvania

York, Pennsylvania is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 12 waiting lists are accepting applications in the York area. There are also 16 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in York include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of York opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in York, Pennsylvania

York, Pennsylvania's affordable housing needs are primarily served by the Housing Authority of the City of York. This area offers approximately 2,715 assisted housing units to eligible residents. Currently, there are 12 open waiting lists for various programs, with 4 lists closed to new applications.

Programs with open waiting lists include Affordable Housing (LIHTC), General Occupancy for Efficiency/1 bedroom units, and General Occupancy for 2, 3, 4, or 5 bedroom units. Other specific open lists include Northern York County 1 bedroom and 2 or 3 bedroom, Public Housing, SRO (Single Room Occupancy), Springfield Apartments, Stony Brook Apartments, Wrightsville 2 and 3 bedroom, and Yoe/Red Lion/Windsor/Glen Rock 2 or 3 bedroom. To qualify for many programs, applicants must meet income guidelines. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the York-Hanover, PA MSA is $52,900 per year (FY2025).

Those seeking assistance should carefully review the specific eligibility requirements for each program and waiting list, as criteria can vary. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is the state housing agency involved in supporting affordable housing initiatives throughout Pennsylvania, including the York area. It is important for potential applicants to prepare necessary documentation and apply to programs for which they are eligible while waitlists are open.

How to Apply for Section 8 in York

To apply for housing assistance in York, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of York, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 12 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 $52,900/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 York include Single Room Occupancy (SRO), SRO, General Occupancy Efficiency/1 bedroom, General Occupancy 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedroom, Springfield Apartments, Stony Brook Apartments, Northern York County 1 bedroom, Northern York County 2 or 3 bedroom, Wrightsville 2 and 3 bedroom, Yoe/Red Lion/Windsor/Glen Rock 2 or 3 bedroom, Public Housing, Affordable Housing (LIHTC), Other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Hanover 2 or 3 bedroom, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Homes at Thackston Park (LIHTC), Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). 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).

York, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in York, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the York-Hanover, PA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $52,900 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $105,800.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $22,250 $37,050 $59,300
2 Persons $25,400 $42,350 $67,750
3 Persons $28,600 $47,650 $76,200
4 Persons $32,150 $52,900 $84,650
5 Persons $37,650 $57,150 $91,450
6 Persons $43,150 $61,400 $98,200
7 Persons $48,650 $65,600 $105,000
8 Persons $54,150 $69,850 $111,750
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $105,800 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in York 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in York?
Yes — there are currently 12 open waiting lists in York, Pennsylvania. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in York if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in York?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. York wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Pennsylvania