Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Harlingen, Texas
There is 1 open waiting list in the Harlingen area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Harlingen, 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 Harlingen, 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 Harlingen, Texas
Harlingen, Texas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Harlingen area. There are also 25 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Harlingen 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).
Latest Opening
Harlingen Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Harlingen, Texas
Harlingen, Texas offers various affordable housing options for eligible residents, primarily administered by the Harlingen Housing Authority. This authority manages programs designed to help individuals and families secure safe and affordable places to live.
Currently, the Harlingen Housing Authority has one waiting list open for the Public Housing program. The waiting lists for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs are presently closed. Across the Harlingen area, approximately 1,328 assisted housing units help serve the community. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; for example, a family of four in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA area must have an annual income below $39,700 to qualify as Very Low Income for FY2025.
Individuals seeking assistance should regularly check the status of waiting lists directly with the Harlingen Housing Authority, as availability can change. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) also oversees housing initiatives across the state and can be a resource for broader information on affordable housing in Texas.
Housing Authorities in Harlingen
How to Apply for Section 8 in Harlingen
To apply for housing assistance in Harlingen, Texas, submit an application directly to Harlingen Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $39,700/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 Harlingen 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).
Harlingen, Texas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Harlingen, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $39,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $66,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $16,700 | $27,800 | $44,450 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $31,800 | $50,800 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $35,750 | $57,150 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $39,700 | $63,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $42,900 | $68,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $46,100 | $73,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $49,250 | $78,750 |
| 8 Persons | $52,450 | $52,450 | $83,850 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Harlingen 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 Harlingen and have active housing programs.