Oshkosh, WI

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

There are 5 open waiting lists in the Oshkosh area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh, 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.

2
Agencies
5
Open Now
1
Closed

Affordable Housing in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Oshkosh include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (2 open), Public Housing (2 open), PBV (1 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Oshkosh opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Oshkosh, Wisconsin offers various affordable housing options for eligible residents. The city is primarily served by two housing authorities: the Housing Authority of Winnebago County and the Housing Authority of the City of Oshkosh. Together, these agencies manage approximately 898 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, there are 5 open waiting lists for housing assistance in Oshkosh, with 1 list presently closed.

Programs available to Oshkosh residents include Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. For HCV, there are 2 open waiting lists. The PBV program currently has 1 open list out of 2 total lists. Additionally, both Public Housing waiting lists are open. To give an example of eligibility, a family of four seeking very low-income assistance in the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA area for Fiscal Year 2025 must have an annual income no higher than $51,800. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) also plays a role in state housing initiatives.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Oshkosh

To apply for housing assistance in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Oshkosh 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 $51,800/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 Oshkosh include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).

Oshkosh, Wisconsin Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $51,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $103,600.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $21,800 $36,300 $58,050
2 Persons $24,900 $41,450 $66,350
3 Persons $28,000 $46,650 $74,650
4 Persons $32,150 $51,800 $82,900
5 Persons $37,650 $55,950 $89,550
6 Persons $43,150 $60,100 $96,200
7 Persons $48,650 $64,250 $102,800
8 Persons $54,150 $68,400 $109,450
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $103,600 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh?
Yes — there are currently 5 open waiting lists in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Oshkosh 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