Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cookeville, Tennessee
There are 5 open waiting lists in the Cookeville area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cookeville, Tennessee 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 Cookeville, 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 Cookeville, Tennessee
Cookeville, Tennessee is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Cookeville area. There are also 17 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Cookeville include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Highlands Residential Services opened its Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley) waitlist .
About Housing in Cookeville, Tennessee
Cookeville, Tennessee is served by Highlands Residential Services, which manages approximately 317 assisted housing units in the area. For those seeking affordable housing assistance, it's important to note that while some programs are open for applications, others are currently closed. Presently, two waiting lists are open, with three closed.
Highlands Residential Services offers various housing programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing program currently have open waiting lists. Other available housing types and programs, though their lists are presently closed, include Elderly/Disabled Housing (such as Walnut Village), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, Multi-family Housing (like Hickory Valley), and Senior Housing options at locations such as Oak Tree Towers and Willow Heights. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; for example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in Putnam County for FY2025 is $39,850 per year.
To apply, prospective tenants should contact Highlands Residential Services directly to confirm which lists are accepting applications and to understand specific eligibility requirements. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) is the state housing agency overseeing many of these initiatives.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Cookeville
To apply for housing assistance in Cookeville, Tennessee, submit an application directly to Highlands Residential Services, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 5 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 $39,850/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 Cookeville include Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village), Senior Housing (Willow Heights), Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers), Public Housing, Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley), Other - Magnolia Ridge Apartments, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), LIHTC, Oak Tree Towers, Senior Housing (HOME Grant), Other - Oak Tree Towers, Other. 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).
Cookeville, Tennessee Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cookeville, Tennessee, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Putnam County, TN area. A family of four must earn less than $39,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $86,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $16,750 | $27,900 | $44,650 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $31,850 | $51,000 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $35,850 | $57,400 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $39,850 | $63,750 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $43,050 | $68,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $46,250 | $73,950 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $49,450 | $79,050 |
| 8 Persons | $52,600 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Cookeville 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 Cookeville and have active housing programs.