Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
All waiting lists in Oak Ridge are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Oak Ridge, Tennessee is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Oak Ridge are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 48 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Oak Ridge include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Oak Ridge right now, there are 48 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 Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Individuals and families seeking affordable housing options in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, are primarily served by the Oak Ridge Housing Authority. This authority manages local affordable housing programs designed to assist residents with rental costs. Currently, there are 2 open waiting lists available for applications, while none are closed.
The Oak Ridge Housing Authority offers assistance through two main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which currently has 1 open list, and the Public Housing program, also with 1 open list. In total, the Oak Ridge area provides approximately 319 assisted housing units. To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area is $49,700 per year for FY2025. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) also plays a role as the state housing agency, overseeing various housing initiatives across Tennessee.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to directly contact the Oak Ridge Housing Authority for specific eligibility criteria and application instructions. It is advisable to gather all necessary personal and financial documents beforehand and to regularly check on the status of any submitted applications. Understanding the income guidelines and program requirements is crucial for a successful application process.
Housing Authorities in Oak Ridge
How to Apply for Section 8 in Oak Ridge
To apply for housing assistance in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, submit an application directly to Oak Ridge 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 $49,700/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 Oak Ridge include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Oak Ridge, Tennessee Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $49,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $101,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,900 | $34,750 | $55,650 |
| 2 Persons | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,850 | $44,700 | $71,550 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,650 | $85,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,650 | $92,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,650 | $98,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,600 | $104,950 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge and have active housing programs.