Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Olympia, Washington
There are 6 open waiting lists in the Olympia area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Olympia, Washington 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia, Washington
Olympia, Washington is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 6 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Olympia area. There are also 12 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Olympia include VASH, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: VASH (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of Of Thurston County opened its FYI waitlist .
About Housing in Olympia, Washington
Affordable housing assistance in Olympia, Washington is primarily provided through the Housing Authority of Thurston County. This agency serves residents seeking support across a range of programs. Currently, there are 6 waiting lists open for various housing initiatives in the area, with 4 other lists presently closed. Olympia and its surrounding communities have approximately 2,345 assisted housing units available to help low-income individuals and families.
To qualify for most programs, applicants must meet specific income criteria. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA area is $58,350 per year, according to FY2025 guidelines. Programs with open waiting lists that you may be eligible for include Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), which specifically supports young adults transitioning from foster care, and VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing), designed for veterans experiencing homelessness. Additionally, there are other general housing assistance programs with open lists. It is important to submit complete and accurate information to the Housing Authority of Thurston County when applying. The Washington State Department of Commerce oversees broader state housing efforts, which may offer additional resources. Regularly checking the status of waiting lists is advisable.
Housing Authorities in Olympia
How to Apply for Section 8 in Olympia
To apply for housing assistance in Olympia, Washington, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Of Thurston County, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 6 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 $58,350/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 Olympia include FYI (Foster Youth to Independence), other, FYI, VASH, Other, Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD, Housing Authority Properties (Below Market Rate). 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).
Olympia, Washington Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Olympia, Washington, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $58,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $116,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,500 | $40,850 | $65,350 |
| 2 Persons | $28,000 | $46,700 | $74,700 |
| 3 Persons | $31,500 | $52,550 | $84,050 |
| 4 Persons | $35,000 | $58,350 | $93,350 |
| 5 Persons | $37,800 | $63,050 | $100,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $67,700 | $108,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $72,400 | $115,800 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $77,050 | $123,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Olympia 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 Olympia and have active housing programs.