Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Vancouver, Washington
There are 3 open waiting lists in the Vancouver area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, Washington is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Vancouver area. There are also 19 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Vancouver include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver opened its Fort Vancouver Apartments Special Needs waitlist .
About Housing in Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, Washington's affordable housing needs are primarily served by the Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver (HACV). Those seeking housing assistance will find that while programs are available, waiting list openings can vary. Currently, there are 3 open waiting lists and 3 closed waiting lists for various programs within the city.
The Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver offers several types of housing assistance. Applicants should be aware that the Fort Vancouver Apartments Special Needs, Public Housing, and Special Needs Housing programs each currently have one open waiting list. Other programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV), currently have closed waiting lists.
To qualify for most programs, households must meet specific income guidelines. For instance, a family of four is generally considered Very Low Income with an annual income up to $62,050, based on the FY2025 limits for the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA area. There are approximately 3,649 assisted housing units available across the area. The Washington State Department of Commerce also contributes to statewide housing initiatives. It is recommended that individuals seeking assistance regularly check with the Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver for the most current information on waiting list statuses and program availability.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Vancouver
To apply for housing assistance in Vancouver, Washington, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 3 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 $62,050/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 Vancouver include Fort Vancouver Apartments Special Needs, Special Needs Housing, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. 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).
Vancouver, Washington Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Vancouver, Washington, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $62,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $124,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $26,100 | $43,450 | $69,550 |
| 2 Persons | $29,800 | $49,650 | $79,450 |
| 3 Persons | $33,550 | $55,850 | $89,400 |
| 4 Persons | $37,250 | $62,050 | $99,300 |
| 5 Persons | $40,250 | $67,050 | $107,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,250 | $72,000 | $115,200 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $76,950 | $123,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $81,950 | $131,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Vancouver 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 Vancouver and have active housing programs.