Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in La Crosse, Wisconsin
There are 5 open waiting lists in the La Crosse area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving La Crosse, 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 La Crosse, 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 La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse, Wisconsin is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the La Crosse area. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in La Crosse include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (2 open), Public Housing (2 open), PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
La Crosse Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist on Mar 4, 2024.
About Housing in La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse, Wisconsin, is served by two primary housing authorities: the La Crosse Housing Authority and the LaCrosse County Housing Authority. These agencies collectively manage approximately 938 assisted housing units across the area, providing crucial affordable housing options for eligible residents. Currently, there are 4 waiting lists open for housing assistance in La Crosse, while 3 lists are presently closed to new applications.
Individuals seeking assistance should be aware of the specific programs available. Public Housing programs have two open waiting lists, and the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program has one open list. For the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, one of the two lists is currently accepting applications, while both Mainstream program lists are closed. Eligibility for these programs depends significantly on income. For example, a family of four applying for Very Low Income assistance must meet the income limit of $53,700 per year for the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN HUD Metro FMR Area for Fiscal Year 2025. Applicants should contact the respective housing authorities directly for the most current application status and detailed eligibility requirements. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) also serves as a state-level resource for housing initiatives.
How to Apply for Section 8 in La Crosse
To apply for housing assistance in La Crosse, Wisconsin, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the La Crosse area (listed above). Right now, 5 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 $53,700/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 La Crosse include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD. 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).
La Crosse, Wisconsin Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in La Crosse, Wisconsin, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $53,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $109,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,550 | $37,600 | $60,150 |
| 2 Persons | $25,800 | $43,000 | $68,750 |
| 3 Persons | $29,000 | $48,350 | $77,350 |
| 4 Persons | $32,200 | $53,700 | $85,900 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $58,000 | $92,800 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $62,300 | $99,650 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $66,600 | $106,550 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $70,900 | $113,400 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in La Crosse 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 La Crosse and have active housing programs.