Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Ohio
Ohio has 75 housing authorities managing a combined 505 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 215 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 43%. This data was last verified on Jul 16, 2026.
Ohio offers various affordable housing assistance programs across its 75 housing authorities, which collectively manage 358 waiting lists. Currently, 131 of these lists are open for applications, representing a 37% open rate, while 173 lists are closed. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) serves as the state's housing agency.
Key programs with available waiting lists include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), with 27 of 75 lists open, and Public Housing, with 33 of 75 lists accepting applications. Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) also have 11 of 34 lists accepting applications. Other program types with openings include Mod Rehab (2 of 2 lists open), Other Senior (2 of 2 lists open), and various specific programs such as LIHTC, SRO, Rural Development, Eden Place, Pickaway Terrace, and Shreve Manor Apartments, each with one open list. Conversely, programs like Mainstream, RAD, and VASH currently show no open waiting lists. Recent changes illustrate this dynamic: Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority in Wooster opened its Public Housing list, while Darke County Metropolitan Housing Authority in Greenville closed its Public Housing list, and Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority in Lima closed its PBV list.
For those seeking assistance, certain areas currently show more activity. Mansfield leads with 6 open waiting lists across its 3 housing authorities, and Cleveland has 5 open lists across its 2 housing authorities. Cambridge and Napoleon each have 3 open lists across 3 housing authorities, and Mount Vernon has 2 open lists across 2 housing authorities. It is important to note that Ohio operates a decentralized system, meaning each county Public Housing Authority functions independently. Therefore, applying to multiple counties is a practical strategy to increase your chances of securing affordable housing assistance.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Ohio include Public Housing (37 open), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (26 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (14 open), Mainstream, RAD, VASH. 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 Ohio right now are Circleville (47), Cadiz (27), Greenville (22), Mansfield (11), and Wooster (11) . 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: Stark Metropolitian Housing Authority — HCV (closes Jul 24, 2026)
Eligibility Requirements for Ohio
To qualify for assistance in Ohio, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).
- 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 Ohio legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.