Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cookeville, Tennessee
There are 2 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, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Cookeville area. There are also 19 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Cookeville 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), HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Highlands Residential Services opened its HCV waitlist .
About Housing in Cookeville, Tennessee
Federal rental assistance in Cookeville, Putnam County is administered by Highlands Residential Services (HUD agency code TN033). It administers roughly 317 assisted housing units.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 29 waiting lists across this agency. As of Apr 6, 2026, 2 are accepting applications. Another 19 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Putnam County, TN. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $39,850 per year, and as Low Income at or below $63,750 (HUD FY2025 limits).
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, 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 $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 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, New Development, Other (Oak Tree Towers), HOME Grant Housing for Seniors, Other - Magnolia Ridge Apartments, Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers), Elderly/Disabled Housing (Walnut Village), Senior Housing (Willow Heights), Elderly/Disabled, Other (Walnut Village - Elderly/Disabled Housing), Other (Oak Tree Towers - Senior Housing), Other (Willow Heights - Senior Housing/LIHTC), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), HOME, Senior Housing (Oak Tree Towers, Willow Heights), Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley), Elderly/Disabled Housing, Senior Housing, LIHTC, Multi-family Housing, Multi-family Housing (Hickory Valley Apartments), LIHTC (Willow Heights), Other, Willow Heights, Other (Senior Housing - Oak Tree Towers), Hickory Valley Apartments, Walnut Village, Senior Housing (HOME Grant). 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.