Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Austin, Texas
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Austin area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Austin, 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 Austin, 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 Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Austin area. There are also 23 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Austin include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD, VASH. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Austin Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Austin, Texas
Affordable housing assistance in Austin, Texas, is primarily managed by three key entities: the Austin Housing Authority, the Housing Authority of Travis County, and the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA), which serves as the state's housing agency. These organizations collectively oversee approximately 9,651 assisted housing units across the area. Given the high demand, finding an open waiting list can be challenging.
Currently, only 3 waiting lists are open for new applications, while 18 are closed. The programs available through these authorities include Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and HUD-VASH for veterans. Specifically, two of the open lists are for Public Housing programs and one is for an Affordable Housing (Property-Based) program. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA is $66,900 per year, based on FY2025 guidelines. Those seeking assistance should consistently monitor availability and prepare all required documentation.
Housing Authorities in Austin
Austin Housing Authority
Austin, Texas · TX001
Housing Authority of Travis County
Austin, Texas · TX480
Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
Austin, Texas · TX901
How to Apply for Section 8 in Austin
To apply for housing assistance in Austin, Texas, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Austin area (listed above). 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 $66,900/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 Austin include Public Housing, Affordable Housing (Property-Based), PBRA, LIHTC, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Affordable Housing, other, Affordable Housing (Property-Specific), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other (Alexander Oaks), Other (Summit Oaks), Other (Eastern Oaks), Other (Carson Creek), Mainstream, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), VASH, Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), EHV, RAD, Project Access. 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).
Austin, Texas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Austin, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $66,900 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $133,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $28,150 | $46,850 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $32,150 | $53,550 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $36,150 | $60,250 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $40,150 | $66,900 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $43,400 | $72,300 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $46,600 | $77,650 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $49,800 | $83,000 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $88,350 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Austin 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 Austin and have active housing programs.