Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in South Dakota
South Dakota has 35 housing authorities managing a combined 126 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 66 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 52%. This data was last verified on Apr 15, 2026.
South Dakota offers various affordable housing assistance options through its 35 housing authorities, which collectively manage 121 waiting lists. Currently, 64 lists are open, representing a 53% open rate, while 25 lists are closed. The South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) serves as the state housing agency. Applicants may find that South Dakota, with its low population density, often has relatively shorter waitlists compared to more urbanized states. The largest metropolitan Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are located in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
Several key programs provide assistance across the state. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has 35 lists, with 20 currently open for applications. Public Housing programs also have a significant presence, with 35 lists and 25 of those open. Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs manage 8 lists, of which 4 are open, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program has 4 lists with 1 open. Other programs with at least one open list include Other (HOME Rehabilitation), Other (Rural Development 515), Other (Security Deposit Assistance), Rural Development, Security Deposit Assistance, Subsidized Housing - Elderly/Disabled, Townhome Rentals, HOME Rehabilitation, HOME Rehabilitation Program, and HOPWA. Some programs like Mainstream, Mod Rehab, VASH, EHV, and Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) currently show no open lists.
When considering where to apply, certain cities show a higher number of open opportunities. Sturgis leads with 3 housing authorities managing 8 open lists, while Huron has 1 housing authority with 11 open lists. Other cities with open lists include Burke with 2 openings from 1 housing authority, and De Smet and Hot Springs each with 1 open list from 1 housing authority. Waitlist statuses can change, as demonstrated by recent activity: Madison Housing and Redevelopment Commission in Madison recently changed both its Public Housing and HCV lists from open to closed. Conversely, the Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission in Sioux Falls changed its HOPWA list from closed to open. It is advisable for applicants to regularly check for updates and consider applying to smaller communities where waitlists may be shorter or more frequently open.
The affordable housing programs tracked in South Dakota include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (20 open), Public Housing (26 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (4 open), RAD (1 open), Mainstream, 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 South Dakota right now are Huron (12), Sturgis (8), Rapid City (3), Madison (3), and Mitchell (3) . 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: Lake Norden Housing and Redevelopment Commission — Public Housing
Eligibility Requirements for South Dakota
To qualify for assistance in South Dakota, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA).
- 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 Dakota legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.