Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Columbia, South Carolina
There are 41 open waiting lists in the Columbia area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Columbia, South Carolina 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 41 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Columbia area. There are also 6 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Columbia include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (3 open), PBV (2 open), Mainstream (1 open), RAD (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Cayce opened its PBV waitlist on Sep 14, 2026. Applications close Sep 16, 2026 — apply early.
About Housing in Columbia, South Carolina
Federal rental assistance in Columbia is administered by 3 housing authorities: Housing Authority of the City of Cayce, Housing Authority of the City of Columbia and SC State Housing Authority. Together they administer roughly 8,209 assisted housing units — 1,318 public housing units and 6,891 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 52 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Mar 23, 2026, 41 are accepting applications. Another 6 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $46,350 per year, and as Low Income at or below $74,150 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Columbia
Housing Authority of the City of Cayce
Columbia, South Carolina · SC061
Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina · SC002
SC State Housing Authority
Columbia, South Carolina · SC911
How to Apply for Section 8 in Columbia
To apply for housing assistance in Columbia, South Carolina, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Columbia area (listed above). Right now, 41 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 $46,350/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 Columbia include Foster Youth to Independence Program, Public Housing, Senior Housing (Arrington Manor), Senior Housing (General), Senior Housing (Oak Read High Rise), Senior Housing (Fair Street), Senior Housing (Spencer Place), Other, Senior Housing (Spencer Place - Cayce), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Senior Housing (Haven at Palmer Pointe), Other (Senior Housing - Fair Street), Other (Senior Housing - Oak Read High Rise), Other (Senior Housing - Haven at Palmer Pointe), Other (Senior Housing - Spencer Place), Apartments (Fair Street), Apartments (Schoolhouse Road), Apartments (Arrington Manor - Senior Housing), Apartments (Fair Street - Senior Housing), Haven at Palmer Pointe, Senior Housing (Spencer Place - Cayce, SC), Other (Foster Youth to Independence), Foster Youth to Independence, Apartments (Oak Read High Rise), Senior Housing, Apartments (Arrington Manor), Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe), Mainstream, Apartments (Oak Park), Senior Housing (Schoolhouse Road), Other (Senior Housing - Arrington Manor), RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Harbor Cove Homes, Senior Housing (Oak Park), Senior Housing (Christopher Towers), Lorick Place Apartments. 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).
Columbia, South Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Columbia, South Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $46,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $92,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,500 | $32,450 | $51,950 |
| 2 Persons | $22,250 | $37,100 | $59,350 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,750 | $66,750 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,350 | $74,150 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,100 | $80,100 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $53,800 | $86,050 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $57,500 | $91,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $61,200 | $97,900 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Columbia 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 Columbia and have active housing programs.