Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in North Dakota
North Dakota has 26 housing authorities managing a combined 221 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 82 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 37%. This data was last verified on Jul 16, 2026.
North Dakota offers various affordable housing assistance programs across its communities. The state currently has 26 housing authorities that manage a total of 116 waiting lists for housing assistance. As of now, 50 of these lists are open, representing a 43% open rate, while 39 lists are currently closed. The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency oversees many of the state's housing initiatives. It is notable that North Dakota generally experiences relatively low demand for housing assistance compared to other states, which can potentially lead to more accessible opportunities for applicants.
Applicants seeking assistance will find a range of programs available. Among the most common are the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has 6 open lists out of 26, and Public Housing, with 15 open lists out of 24. Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) have 3 open lists from 7, and Mainstream programs show 2 open lists out of 5. Other specialized programs include Senior Housing with 1 open list out of 2, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) with 1 open list, and Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) also with 1 open list. While some programs like RAD have 3 lists with none open, other opportunities exist in specific properties such as Dakota II Apartments, Crescent Manor/Crescent West, and various "Other" categories. Cities like Bismarck stand out with 17 open lists managed by its two housing authorities, while Grand Forks offers 6 open lists across its two authorities. Mandan and Ashley each have housing authorities with 1 open list, and West Fargo has two housing authorities.
When considering where to apply, cities such as Bismarck and Grand Forks appear to have a higher number of open waiting lists, suggesting more immediate opportunities. For applicants in Fargo and Bismarck, local information indicates that their Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) may process applications faster than national averages, potentially shortening the wait for assistance. Recent activity at the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, which saw some "Other" lists change between open and closed status, highlights the dynamic nature of these waitlists. Given the comparatively lower demand in North Dakota, applicants may find it beneficial to apply to multiple open lists where they meet eligibility requirements.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in North Dakota include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (9 open), Public Housing (14 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (4 open), Mainstream (2 open), RAD. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in North Dakota right now are Fargo (31), Bismarck (15), Minot (11), Grand Forks (8), and Dickinson (4) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Nelson County Housing Authority — HCV
Eligibility Requirements for North Dakota
To qualify for assistance in North Dakota, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency.
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official North Dakota legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with North Dakota Housing Finance Agency to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.