Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Olympia, Washington
There are 3 open waiting lists in the Olympia area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Olympia, Washington 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia, Washington
Olympia, Washington is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Olympia area. There are also 11 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Olympia include VASH, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: VASH (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of Of Thurston County opened its VASH waitlist .
How to Apply for Section 8 in Olympia
To apply for Section 8 or Public Housing assistance in Olympia, Washington, you need to submit an application directly to one of the housing authorities listed above during an open enrollment period. 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. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Most housing authorities in the Olympia area accept online applications through their official portal. 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). Wait times in Washington typically range from 6 months to 5+ years depending on demand.
Olympia, Washington Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Olympia, Washington, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $58,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $116,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,500 | $40,850 | $65,350 |
| 2 Persons | $28,000 | $46,700 | $74,700 |
| 3 Persons | $31,500 | $52,550 | $84,050 |
| 4 Persons | $35,000 | $58,350 | $93,350 |
| 5 Persons | $37,800 | $63,050 | $100,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $67,700 | $108,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $72,400 | $115,800 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $77,050 | $123,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Olympia 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 Olympia and have active housing programs.