Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in McAllen, Texas
All waiting lists in McAllen are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving McAllen, 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 McAllen, 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 McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in McAllen are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 23 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in McAllen include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in McAllen right now, there are 23 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 McAllen, Texas
Affordable housing options in McAllen, Texas, are primarily administered by the McAllen Housing Authority. This agency manages assistance programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. It is important for those seeking assistance to note that currently, all 2 waiting lists for these programs are closed. There are no open waiting lists for the HCV program (1 list closed) or Public Housing (1 list closed) at this time. Prospective applicants should regularly check with the McAllen Housing Authority for updates on when waiting lists may reopen. Approximately 1,586 assisted housing units are available throughout the McAllen area.
To qualify for most affordable housing programs, applicants must meet specific income criteria. For example, a family of four in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA area is considered Very Low Income with an annual income of $39,700 or less, based on FY2025 guidelines. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) serves as the state housing agency, overseeing various housing initiatives across Texas. Staying informed directly through the McAllen Housing Authority is the best approach for understanding eligibility and application procedures.
Housing Authorities in McAllen
How to Apply for Section 8 in McAllen
To apply for housing assistance in McAllen, Texas, submit an application directly to McAllen 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 $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 McAllen include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
McAllen, Texas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in McAllen, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, 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 $63,300.
| 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 McAllen 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 McAllen and have active housing programs.