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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
There is 1 open waiting list in the Cedar Rapids area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cedar Rapids, Iowa 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Cedar Rapids area. There are also 2 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Cedar Rapids include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Latest Opening
Cedar Rapids Housing Services opened its First Time Home Buyer waitlist on Mar 30, 2026.
About Housing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Affordable housing assistance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is primarily managed by Cedar Rapids Housing Services. This agency currently has 0 open waiting lists for housing assistance programs, with 2 lists presently closed. While lists are closed, Cedar Rapids Housing Services offers several programs to help residents, including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Homeownership, Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. These initiatives collectively support approximately 1,316 assisted housing units within the area.
To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four would be considered Very Low Income with an annual household income of up to $50,800, based on FY2025 HUD Metro FMR Area guidelines for Cedar Rapids. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) also serves as the state housing agency. For those seeking assistance, it is advisable to regularly check the official website of Cedar Rapids Housing Services for updates on when waiting lists may reopen. Preparing necessary documentation in advance can help when applications become available.
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Cedar Rapids
To apply for housing assistance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, submit an application directly to Cedar Rapids Housing Services, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $50,800/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 Cedar Rapids include First Time Home Buyer, Homeownership (ROOTs), Homeownership, Other (Homeownership - ROOTs Program), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Homeownership (ROOTs Program), Mainstream, RAD, 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).
Cedar Rapids, Iowa Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Cedar Rapids, IA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $50,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $101,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $21,350 | $35,600 | $56,950 |
| 2 Persons | $24,400 | $40,650 | $65,050 |
| 3 Persons | $27,450 | $45,750 | $73,200 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,800 | $81,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,900 | $87,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,950 | $94,350 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $63,000 | $100,850 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $67,100 | $107,350 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids and have active housing programs.