Odessa, TX

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Odessa, Texas

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

Odessa, Texas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Odessa are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 7 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Open Lists Nearby

While no waitlists are open in Odessa right now, there are 7 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 Odessa, Texas

Affordable housing assistance in Odessa, Texas, is primarily administered by the Housing Authority City of Odessa. This authority oversees various programs designed to help individuals and families find stable housing options. Please note that currently, there are no open waiting lists for housing assistance in Odessa; all four lists are closed. These include programs for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing.

While waiting lists are closed, understanding the program landscape is vital. For example, a family of four seeking Very Low Income assistance in the Odessa, TX MSA area for FY2025 would generally have an income limit of $47,050 per year. There are approximately 1,428 assisted housing units available across these programs in the area.

Prospective applicants are advised to regularly monitor announcements from the Housing Authority City of Odessa for any changes in waitlist status. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) also contributes to state-level housing efforts. Being prepared with necessary documentation can help ensure a timely application once a waiting list reopens.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Odessa

To apply for housing assistance in Odessa, Texas, submit an application directly to Housing Authority City of Odessa, 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 $47,050/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 Odessa include Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).

Odessa, Texas Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Odessa, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Odessa, TX MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $47,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $90,700.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $19,800 $32,900 $52,750
2 Persons $22,600 $37,650 $60,250
3 Persons $26,650 $42,350 $67,800
4 Persons $32,150 $47,050 $75,300
5 Persons $37,650 $50,800 $81,350
6 Persons $43,150 $54,600 $87,350
7 Persons $48,650 $58,350 $93,400
8 Persons $54,150 $62,150 $99,400
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $90,700 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Odessa 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 Odessa?
Currently, all waiting lists in Odessa, 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 Odessa 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 Odessa?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Odessa 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