Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in South Carolina
South Carolina has 42 housing authorities managing a combined 227 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 113 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 50%. This data was last verified on Aug 30, 2026.
South Carolina features 42 housing authorities managing a total of 197 waiting lists for affordable housing assistance. Currently, 77 lists are open, representing a 39% open rate, while 91 lists are closed. Public Housing programs are available through 42 lists, with 24 of these presently accepting applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program also has 42 lists statewide, though only 6 are currently open for new applicants.
Beyond these primary programs, several other options offer assistance. Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs have 15 lists, with 7 open, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs account for 8 lists, with 2 open. Mainstream programs offer 8 lists, with 3 open, and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) programs have 3 lists, with 2 currently open. For senior residents, specific properties like Oak Read High Rise, Arrington Manor, Haven at Palmer Pointe, Fair Street, and Oak Park each have open lists. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties also present opportunities, including open lists at Birchwood Apartments for both 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom units, and Alston Lake Apartments.
When seeking assistance, applicants should note geographic concentrations of housing authorities. Columbia has 3 housing authorities with a significant 24 open lists, while Laurens has 2 housing authorities with 4 open lists. Charleston has 2 housing authorities, currently with 2 open lists. Cities such as Anderson and Beaufort each have one housing authority. It is important to be aware that housing authorities in Charleston and Columbia typically experience high demand. The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority administers a separate statewide voucher program, which can be another avenue for assistance. Waiting list statuses can change; for example, the Housing Authority of Marion recently changed its Public Housing list from closed to open, while the Housing Authority of North Charleston's LIHTC list changed from open to closed, and the Housing Authority of Union's HCV list changed from unknown to closed.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in South Carolina include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (7 open), Public Housing (24 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (7 open), Mainstream (3 open), RAD (3 open), VASH (2 open). 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 South Carolina right now are Columbia (40), Florence (17), North Charleston (8), Myrtle Beach (6), and Easley (5) . 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: Housing Authority of Lake City — Public Housing
Eligibility Requirements for South Carolina
To qualify for assistance in South Carolina, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority.
- 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 South Carolina legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.