Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Milwaukee area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Milwaukee area. There are also 13 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Milwaukee include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee opened its Public Housing waitlist on Mar 5, 2025.
About Housing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
For those seeking affordable housing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, services are primarily provided by two key agencies: the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County DHHS - Housing Division. These agencies manage approximately 12,150 assisted housing units throughout the area. While there are a total of ten housing waitlists in Milwaukee, currently four are open to new applications, with six closed.
Currently open programs include a Project-Based Voucher (PBV) list, a Public Housing list, and an Affordable Market-Rate Housing list, which also falls under an 'Other' category. It is important for applicants to check the specific requirements for each program. For instance, the income limit for a Very Low Income family of four in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA area is $55,350 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) also plays a role in supporting affordable housing initiatives statewide. Applicants should contact the relevant housing authority directly for precise details on how to apply and current availability.
Housing Authorities in Milwaukee
How to Apply for Section 8 in Milwaukee
To apply for housing assistance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Milwaukee area (listed above). Right now, 4 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 $55,350/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 Milwaukee include Affordable Market-Rate Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Other (Affordable Market-Rate Housing), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), 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).
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $55,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $110,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $23,250 | $38,750 | $62,000 |
| 2 Persons | $26,600 | $44,300 | $70,850 |
| 3 Persons | $29,900 | $49,850 | $79,700 |
| 4 Persons | $33,200 | $55,350 | $88,550 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $64,250 | $102,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $68,650 | $109,850 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $73,100 | $116,900 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee and have active housing programs.