Kenosha, WI

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Kenosha, Wisconsin

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

Kenosha, Wisconsin is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Kenosha are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 14 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Open Lists Nearby

While no waitlists are open in Kenosha right now, there are 14 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 Kenosha, Wisconsin

Individuals seeking affordable housing assistance in Kenosha, Wisconsin are primarily served by the Kenosha Housing Authority (KHA). Currently, the KHA has 0 open waiting lists and 1 closed list. Programs available through the KHA include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. All listed programs currently have closed waiting lists in Kenosha.

To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Kenosha, WI MSA area for FY2025 is $53,400 per year. Across the Kenosha area, there are approximately 1,252 assisted housing units available. While waiting lists are currently closed, it is advisable for applicants to regularly check with the Kenosha Housing Authority for updates on when lists may reopen. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) also serves as a state-level resource for affordable housing initiatives.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Kenosha

To apply for housing assistance in Kenosha, Wisconsin, submit an application directly to Kenosha 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 $53,400/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 Kenosha include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).

Kenosha, Wisconsin Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Kenosha, Wisconsin, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Kenosha, WI MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $53,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $112,600.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $22,450 $37,400 $59,850
2 Persons $25,650 $42,750 $68,400
3 Persons $28,850 $48,100 $76,950
4 Persons $32,150 $53,400 $85,450
5 Persons $37,650 $57,700 $92,300
6 Persons $43,150 $61,950 $99,150
7 Persons $48,650 $66,200 $106,000
8 Persons $54,150 $70,500 $112,800
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $112,600 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

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