Gainesville, TX

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Gainesville, Texas

All waiting lists in Gainesville are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Gainesville, 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 Gainesville, 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 Gainesville, Texas

Gainesville, Texas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Gainesville are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Gainesville include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.

Open Lists Nearby

While no waitlists are open in Gainesville right now, there are 10 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 Gainesville, Texas

Affordable housing assistance in Gainesville, Texas is primarily managed by The Housing Authority of the City of Gainesville. This authority offers crucial programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) assistance, and Public Housing options. Currently, all three of the waiting lists for these specific programs are closed, which means new applications are not being accepted at this time. Individuals seeking assistance should regularly monitor for official announcements from the housing authority regarding future openings.

The Gainesville area, within Cooke County, has approximately 421 assisted housing units available to help low-income families. Eligibility for these programs is determined by household income, among other factors. For a family of four in the Cooke County, TX area, the Very Low Income limit for Fiscal Year 2025 is $49,250 annually. Applicants must meet these established income thresholds and other program-specific criteria to qualify. Additionally, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) oversees various state-wide housing initiatives that may provide further resources for Gainesville residents.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Gainesville

To apply for housing assistance in Gainesville, Texas, submit an application directly to The Housing Authority of the City of Gainesvi, 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 $49,250/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 Gainesville include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).

Gainesville, Texas Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Gainesville, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Cooke County, TX area. A family of four must earn less than $49,250 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $98,500.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $20,700 $34,500 $55,200
2 Persons $23,650 $39,400 $63,050
3 Persons $26,650 $44,350 $70,950
4 Persons $32,150 $49,250 $78,800
5 Persons $37,650 $53,200 $85,150
6 Persons $43,150 $57,150 $91,450
7 Persons $48,650 $61,100 $97,750
8 Persons $54,150 $65,050 $104,050
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $98,500 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Currently, all waiting lists in Gainesville, Texas are closed. Section 8 Waitlist checks every housing authority nightly and will show openings as soon as they occur. In the meantime, consider applying to nearby cities listed below.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Gainesville 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