Abilene, TX

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Abilene, Texas

There are 3 open waiting lists in the Abilene area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Abilene, Texas 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 Abilene, 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.

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Affordable Housing in Abilene, Texas

Abilene, Texas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Abilene area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Abilene opened its PBV waitlist .

About Housing in Abilene, Texas

If you are seeking affordable housing assistance in Abilene, Texas, the primary agency serving the area is the Housing Authority of the City of Abilene (HACA). HACA currently has three waiting lists open for various housing programs designed to help low-income individuals and families. These programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, and Public Housing program. These initiatives aim to make safe and decent housing accessible within the community.

Currently, all three of HACA's waiting lists are open, with none closed at this time. The HCV program, PBV program, and Public Housing program each have an open waiting list, offering pathways to assistance. Across the Abilene area, there are approximately 2,015 assisted housing units available through these various programs. To qualify for assistance, families must meet specific income guidelines. For example, a family of four seeking very low-income assistance in the Abilene, TX MSA, must have an annual income no higher than $43,650, according to FY2025 limits.

Applicants are encouraged to contact HACA directly for detailed application procedures and current eligibility requirements. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) oversees state-level housing initiatives that may also benefit Abilene residents.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Abilene

To apply for housing assistance in Abilene, Texas, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Abilene, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 3 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 $43,650/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 Abilene include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).

Abilene, Texas Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Abilene, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Abilene, TX MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $43,650 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $87,300.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $18,350 $30,600 $48,900
2 Persons $21,150 $34,950 $55,900
3 Persons $26,650 $39,300 $62,900
4 Persons $32,150 $43,650 $69,850
5 Persons $37,650 $47,150 $75,450
6 Persons $43,150 $50,650 $81,050
7 Persons $48,650 $54,150 $86,650
8 Persons $54,150 $57,650 $92,250
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $87,300 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Abilene 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 Abilene?
Yes — there are currently 3 open waiting lists in Abilene, Texas. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Abilene 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 Abilene?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Abilene 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 Texas