Last Updated: May 9, 2022
Highlights. Housing assistance programs such as Section 8 & Public Housing provide affordable housing to 2.8% of Americans through rental and housing subsidies.
- 9.3 million Americans benefit from housing assistance.
- 2.1 million live in Section 8 housing.
- 75% of public assistance households are female-headed.
- $14,693 is the average income per public assistance household.
- $347 is the average monthly rent among Section 8 households.
Section 8 Housing Assistance
Section 8 programs are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). There are two types of Section 8 housing assistance: the tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher program and the project-based Section 8 Project Housing.
- 9.3 million or 2.84% of Americans benefit from Section 8 and other forms of housing assistance through HUD.
- The median average rent among Section 8 households is $347 per month ($4,164 per year).
- The average annual HUD household income is $14,693.
- 2.07 million Americans live in Section 8 Project Housing.
- 5.23 million use the Housing Choice Vouchers program (HCV).
- HCV is a tenant-based housing assistance program that lets applicants choose their own program-approved housing.
- 2.62 million households use HCV.
- Tenants with housing vouchers pay up to 40% of their income for rent; the local public housing authority (PHA) pays the difference via direct deposit.
- Housing vouchers are distributed by the area public housing authority (PHA).
HUD Statistics
Millions more Americans benefit from other forms of housing assistance. When combined with Section 8 tenants, 4.6 million households are HUD households.
- The average HUD household pays $355 in rent per month.
- 66% of HUD users belong to racial minorities.
- 47% are white, including white Hispanic (14%) as well as non-Hispanic(33%).
- 45% of HUD-assisted individuals are Black.
- 32% of households with children are female-headed.
- 35% of HUD users are disabled in some way.
- The average HUD household uses housing assistance for 9.8 years.
- Households using rent support or a rental assistance program (RAP) remain part of their program the longest at an average of 13.4 years.
Section 8 Tenant Eligibility
In general, a household may qualify for Section 8 assistance if the household is Very Low-Income or Extremely Low-Income as defined by the HUD.
- A Very Low-Income household has an income that is 50% of the median income for that area.
- An Extremely Low-Income household has an income that is 30% of the median.
- Public housing agencies are legally required to provide 75% of vouchers to Extremely Low-Income households.
- A local PHA may give preference to individuals or families under extreme conditions, such as homelessness or involuntary displacement.
Section 8 Property Eligibility
In order to gain PHA approval, housing units must meet certain health and safety requirements.
- The local PHA is required to inspect a Section 8 unit at least once per year regardless of tenant turnover.
- Units must include fully operational drains and GFI outlets.
- All outlets must have cover plates.
- Kitchen appliances must be clean and functional.
- All exterior-accessible windows must have locks.
- There must be no missing, boken, or cracked windows.
- Each bathroom must include a window or exhaust fan.
- The roof must be waterproof and structurally sound.
- All plumbing and plumbing fixtures must be fully operational.
- There must be a fully operational shower or bathtub.
- Kitchen and bathroom must be equipped with hot and cold water.
- All stairs and railings must be secure.
- No large holes in floors or floor coverings.
- No tears in floor coverings.
- No chipping interior paint.
- No chipping exterior paint below 5ft.
- Functional smoke detectors and CO2 detectors.
Fair Market Rent
Landlords must charge Fair Market Rent as defined by HUD. HUD releases new parameters each July.
- HUD determines the national Fair Market Rent (FMR) in each of 2,500+ zones nationwide.
- PHAs adjust the national FMR for neighborhoods, buildings, and individual housing units.
- Adjusted FMRs must be within 90% to 110% of the HUD benchmark.
Owner Rights & Responsibilities
Owners and landlords who participate in Section 8 must meet certain HUD requirements.
- Landlords of Section 8 approved units have the right to select their own tenants using whatever criteria they wish.*
- Landlords collect a percentage of rent directly from tenants, and PHA covers the remainder via monthly direct deposit.
- Landlords will only receive PHA deposits after the tenant has moved in.
- Each PHA determines whether to include utilities as part of vouchers.
- Landlords may collect a security deposit directly from the tenants up to the maximum amount allowed by the state’s security deposit law.
*It is illegal for landlords to descriminate against any individual based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, nationality, age, familial status, or disability.
Section 8 Project Housing
Also called Conventional Housing or Project Housing programs, Low Rent Public Housing refers to project-based housing assistance.
- 1.3 million households reside in Section 8 Project Housing.
- Section 8 Project Housing is not the same as Public Housing.
- Rent prices are based on a percentage of resident income.
- PHAs own and manage public housing developments.
- HUD subsidizes public housing developments.
Housing Assistance by State
Housing assistance programs typically involve coordination between agencies at local, state, and federal levels.
- Indiana has the highest rate of program usage, serving households at 112% capacity (due to distribution of housing vouchers 34% beyond program capacity).
- North Dakota has the lowest rate of program usage, serving households at 76% capacity.
- Mississippi has the largest HUD households with an average 2.4 residents per housing unit.
- New Hampshire has the smallest households with an average 1.7 residents.
- Utah has the smallest number of HUD residents per capita at 1.12%.
- The District of Columbia has the highest number of HUD residents per capita at 7.76%.
- Among states only, Rhode Island has the highest rate of HUD residents at 5.62%.
Jump to a state: AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NA | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | PR | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | VI | WA | WV | WI | WY
State | Total HUD Households | Occupancy Rate |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 92,593 | 89% |
Alaska | 7,838 | 97% |
Arizona | 41,211 | 92% |
Arkansas | 51,000 | 88% |
California | 496,899 | 90% |
Colorado | 62,371 | 89% |
Connecticut | 82,678 | 91% |
Delaware | 13,082 | 91% |
District of Columbia | 34,444 | 82% |
Florida | 198,481 | 92% |
Georgia | 134,966 | 89% |
Hawaii | 23,176 | 84% |
Idaho | 12,563 | 89% |
Illinois | 228,497 | 91% |
Indiana | 89,273 | 112% |
Iowa | 40,884 | 88% |
Kansas | 35,288 | 85% |
Kentucky | 85,350 | 89% |
Louisiana | 94,648 | 85% |
Maine | 27,051 | 91% |
Maryland | 102,076 | 88% |
Massachusetts | 195,859 | 94% |
Michigan | 145,810 | 90% |
Minnesota | 91,016 | 90% |
Mississippi | 55,842 | 93% |
Missouri | 92,649 | 89% |
Montana | 13,902 | 85% |
Nebraska | 27,840 | 88% |
Nevada | 23,322 | 96% |
New Hampshire | 21,949 | 93% |
New Jersey | 168,370 | 93% |
New Mexico | 26,066 | 84% |
New York | 594,253 | 91% |
North Carolina | 128,012 | 89% |
North Dakota | 13,859 | 76% |
Ohio | 225,526 | 92% |
Oklahoma | 52,112 | 91% |
Oregon | 54,820 | 90% |
Pennsylvania | 222,442 | 89% |
Puerto Rico | 106,944 | 93% |
Rhode Island | 38,216 | 93% |
South Carolina | 38,216 | 92% |
South Dakota | 13,893 | 84% |
Tennessee | 104,848 | 92% |
Texas | 284,105 | 87% |
Utah | 19,258 | 91% |
Vermont | 12,497 | 91% |
Virginia | 106,170 | 89% |
Virgin Islands (U.S.) | 6,146 | 76% |
Washington | 91,750 | 92% |
West Virginia | 34,006 | 91% |
Wisconsin | 77,593 | 88% |
Wyoming | 5,769 | 93% |
Alabama
82,831 households in Alabama occupy 89% of available HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Alabama averages 2.2 members.
- 3.66% of the population benefits from HUD assistance.
- 18,842 households live in Section 8 Project Housing, occupying 93% of 19,806 units.
- Alabama PHAs distribute 33,156 (85% of 92,593 available) Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
- 28,243 Alabama households live in (91% of 31,287 available) Public Housing units.
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,994 households in Alabama use Section 202 housing assistance for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 565 use Section 811 or housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
- No renters assistance program.
Alaska
7,522 households in Alaska occupying 97% of available HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Alaska averages 2 members.
- 2.04% of the population of Alaska benefits from HUD assistance.
- 4,694 Alaska households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for 98% program utilization (4,858 available).
- 1,129 households live in Section 8 Project Housing for 94% occupancy of 1,205 available units.
- 1,209 households in Alaska live in (97% of 1,253 available) Public Housing units.
- 257 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 163 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 70 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (97% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Arizona
39,353 households in Arizona occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Arizona averages 2.2 members.
- 1.2% of the population of Arizona benefits from HUD assistance.
- 23,660 Arizona households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for 90% program utilization (24,822 available).
- 8,682 households live in Section 8 Project Housing for 95% occupancy of 8,926 units.
- 4,365 households in Arizona live in Public Housing (4,677 units at 94% occupancy).
- 204 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (55% capacity).
- 1,858 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 464 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 120 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (147% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Arkansas
45,387 households in Arkansas occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Arkansas averages 1.9 members.
- 2.9% of the population of Arkansas benefits from HUD assistance.
- 22,721 households in Arkansas use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for 83% program utilization.
- 10,430 Arkansas households live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% occupancy).
- 9,766 live in Public Housing (94% occupancy).
- 1,527 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (94% capacity).
- 835 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 108 Arkansas households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (91% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
California
453,769 households in California occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in California averages 2.1 members.
- 2.36% of the population of California benefits from HUD assistance.
- 311,812 Californiahouseholds use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (88% capacity).
- 98,609 households in California live in Section 8 Project Housing (95% occupancy).
- 25,395 live in public housing (96% capacity).
- 243 California households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (32% capacity).
- 13,481 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (99% capacity).
- 2,463 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (99% capacity).
- 1,766 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (102% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Colorado
57,044 households in Colorado occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Colorado averages 2 members.
- 1.96% of the population of Colorado benefits from HUD assistance.
- 31,463 Colorado households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 15,936 households in Colorado live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 7,102 live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 13 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,426 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 347 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (90% capacity).
- 757 Colorado households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (101% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Connecticut
75,674 households in Connecticut occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Connecticut averages 2 members.
- 4.16% of the population of Connecticut benefits from HUD assistance.
- 38,358 Connecticut households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (87% capacity).
- 22,585 Connecticut households live in Section 8 Project Housing (96% capacity).
- 12,307 households in Connecticut live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,868 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 224 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 324 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (113% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Delaware
12,028 households in Delaware occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Delaware averages 2.1 members.
- 2.56% of the population of Delaware benefits from HUD assistance.
- 4,894 Delaware households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (87% capacity).
- 4,460 households in Delaware live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 1,954 households live in Public Housing (92% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 410 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 310 Delaware households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
- No renters assistance program.
District of Columbia
26,918 households in D.C. occupy 82% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in D.C. averages 2 members.
- 7.76% of the population of D.C. benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,679 D.C. households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (77% capacity).
- 9,242 live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 5,246 households in D.C. live in Public Housing (79% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 397 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 124 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (90% capacity).
- 230 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (77% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Florida
186,938 households in Florida occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Florida averages 2.2 members.
- 1.90% of the population of Florida benefits from HUD assistance.
- 110,095 Florida households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (90% capacity).
- 40,355 households in Florida live in Section 8 Project Housing (95% capacity).
- 24,106 live in Public Housing (89% capacity).
- 281 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (95% capacity).
- 7,530 Florida households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (99% capacity).
- 1,442 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 3,129 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (102% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Georgia
122,419 households in Georgia occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Georgia averages 2.3 members.
- 2.60% of the population of Georgia benefits from HUD assistance.
- 60,237 Georgia households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 31,574 households in Georgia live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 27,273 Georgia households live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,635 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 577 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 116 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (199% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Hawaii
19,320 households in Hawaii occupy 84% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Hawaii averages 2.5 members.
- 3.37% of the population of Hawaii benefits from HUD assistance.
- 10,713 Hawaii households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (76% capacity).
- 3,046 households in Hawaii live in Section 8 Project Housing (95% capacity).
- 4,721 live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- 28 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (7.00% capacity).
- 583 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 200 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 29 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (78% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Idaho
11,535 households in Idaho occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Idaho averages 1.9 members.
- 1.20% of the population of Idaho benefits from HUD assistance.
- 6,732 Idaho households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 3,664 households in Idaho live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 658 live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- 378 Idaho households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 103 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Illinois
207,469 households in Illinois occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Illinois averages 2 members.
- 3.20% of the population of Illinois benefits from HUD assistance.
- 99,181 Illinois households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (89% capacity).
- 61,660 live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 38,458 households in Illinois live in Public Housing (89% capacity).
- 230 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (48% capacity).
- 5,329 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 1,517 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 1,094 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (132% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Indiana
80,711 households in Indiana occupy 112% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Indiana averages 1.9 members.
- 2.31% of the population of Indiana benefits from HUD assistance.
- 38,174 Indiana households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (134% capacity).
- 28,682 households of Indiana live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 10,828 live in Public Housing (87% capacity).
- 85 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (53% capacity).
- 2,148 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 739 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 55 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (89% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Iowa
35,909 households in Iowa occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Iowa averages 1.8 members.
- 2.00% of the population of Iowa benefits from HUD assistance.
- 19,813 Iowa households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 11,075 live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 3,738 households in Iowa live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,029 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 236 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 14 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (100% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Kansas
29,992 households in Kansas occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Kansas averages 1.7 members.
- 1.75% of the population of Kansas benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,106 Kansas households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (79% capacity).
- 10,216 live in Section 8 Project Housing (89% capacity).
- 7,632 in households Kansas live in Public Housing (88% capacity).
- 19 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (12% capacity).
- 718 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 301 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (85% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
- No renters assistance program.
Kentucky
75,190 households in Kentucky occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Kentucky averages 2 members.
- 3.32% of the population of Kentucky benefits from HUD assistance.
- 31,715 Kentucky households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 21,386 Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 19,918 households in Kentucky Public Housing (93% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,541 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (95% capacity).
- 478 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 152 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (93% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Louisiana
81,390 families in Louisiana occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Louisiana averages 2.2 members.
- 3.89% of the population of Louisiana benefits from HUD assistance.
- 47,659 Louisiana households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (81% capacity).
- 14,360 live in Section 8 Project Housing units (93% capacity).
- 16,263 households in Louisiana live in Public Housing units (90% capacity).
- 52 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (63% capacity).
- 1,929 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (95% capacity).
- 842 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 285 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (125% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Maine
25,001 households in Maine occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Maine averages 1.8 members.
- 3.29% of the population of Maine benefits from HUD assistance.
- 12,137 Maine households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 7,933 live in Section 8 Project Housing (97% capacity).
- 3,763 households in Maine live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 16 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (17% capacity).
- 756 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 167 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 229 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (86% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Maryland
90,377 households in Maryland occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Maryland averages 2 members.
- 3.04% of the population of Maryland benefits from HUD assistance.
- 49,441 Maryland households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 26,259 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 9,828 household Maryland live in Public Housing (84% capacity).
- 288 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (54% capacity).
- 3,152 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 1,042 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 346 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (102% capacity).
- 21 use the rental assistance program (RAP) (90% capacity).
Massachusetts
182,940 households in Massachusetts occupy 94% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household averages 1.9 members.
- 5.01% of the population benefits from HUD assistance.
- 89,187 households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (92% capacity).
- 56,339 live in Section 8 Project Housing (96% capacity).
- 30,729 live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 165 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (9.3% capacity).
- 3,771 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 870 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 1,879 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (95% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Michigan
130,544 households occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Massachusetts averages 1.9 members.
- 2.44% of the population of Massachusetts benefits from HUD assistance.
- 54,250 Massachusetts households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 53,674 live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 17,868 households in Massachusetts live in Public Housing (92% capacity).
- 793 households in Massachusetts use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (43% capacity).
- 3,146 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 519 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (97% capacity).
- 294 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (95% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Minnesota
84,380 households in Minnesota occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Minnesota averages 2 members.
- 3.04% of the population of Minnesota benefits from HUD assistance.
- 34,311 Minnesota households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (87% capacity).
- 31,797 live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 15,011 households in Minnesota live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,268 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 702 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 285 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (102% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Mississippi
52,290 households in Mississippi occupy 93% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Mississippi averages 2.4 members.
- 4.13% of the population of Mississippi benefits from HUD assistance.
- 25,486 Mississippi households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (92% capacity).
- 17,468 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 7,969 households in Mississippi live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 963 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 403 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
- No renters assistance program.
Missouri
81,841 households in Missouri occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Missouri averages 1.9 members.
- 2.58% of the population of Missouri benefits from HUD assistance.
- 40,053 Missouri households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 22,805 live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 14,986 households in Missouri live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- 86 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (37% capacity).
- 2,916 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly (96% capacity).
- 975 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 20 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (90% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Montana
11,977 households in Montana occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Montana averages 1.8 members.
- 2.00% of the population of Montana benefits from HUD assistance.
- 5,728 Montana households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (80% capacity).
- 3,793 live in Section 8 Project Housing (88% capacity).
- 1,574 households in Montana live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 21 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (50% capacity).
- 457 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 129 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 275 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (88% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Nebraska
24,696 households in Nebraska occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Nebraska averages 1.9 members.
- 2.43% of the population of Nebraska benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,596 Nebraska households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 5,545 live in Section 8 Project Housing (88% capacity).
- 6,561 households in Nebraska live in Public Housing (93% capacity).
- 560 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 346 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (87% capacity).
- 88 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (127% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Nevada
22,287 households in Nevada occupy 96% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Nevada averages 2.2 members.
- 1.61% of the population of Nevada benefits from HUD assistance.
- 15,651 Nevada households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (96% capacity).
- 3,125 live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 2,802 households in Nevada live in Public Housing (98% capacity).
- 410 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 299 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
New Hampshire
21,019 households in New Hampshire occupy 93% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New Hampshire averages 1.7 members.
- 2.57% of the population of New Hampshire benefits from HUD assistance.
- 10,297 New Hampshire households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (90% capacity).
- 5,668 live in Section 8 Project Housing (97% capacity).
- 3,705 households in New Hampshire live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- 1,180 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly (97% capacity).
- 31 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 138 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (96% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
New Jersey
154,073 households in New Jersey occupy 93% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New Jersey averages 1.9 members.
- 3.34% of the population of New Jersey benefits from HUD assistance.
- 75,518 New Jersey households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (90% capacity).
- 46,473 live in Section 8 Project Housing (96% capacity).
- 26,602 households in New Jersey live in Public Housing (93% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 3,669 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 898 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 405 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (88% capacity).
- 507 use rental assistance (24% program capacity).
New Mexico
21,817 households in New Mexico occupy 84% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New Mexico averages 2 members.
- 2.12% of the population of New Mexico benefits from HUD assistance.
- 12,005 New Mexico households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (78% capacity).
- 5,272 live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 3,591 households in New Mexico live in Public Housing (92% capacity).
- 672 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 261 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 16 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (229% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
New York
530,473 households in New York occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New York averages 2 members.
- 5.55% of the population of New York benefits from HUD assistance.
- 227,545 New York households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 102,443 live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 179,141 households in New York live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- 2,066 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (29% capacity).
- 12,972 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 1,742 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 4,561 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (% capacity).
- None benefit from rental assistance.
North Carolina
114,453 households in North Carolina occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in North Carolina averages 2.1 members.
- 2.32% of the population of North Carolina benefits from HUD assistance.
- 60,038 households in North Carolina use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 26,315 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 23,294 households in North Carolina live in Public Housing (92% capacity).
- 44 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (60% capacity).
- 3,077 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 1,523 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 162 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (85% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
North Dakota
10,930 households in North Dakota occupy 76% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in North Dakota averages 1.7 members.
- 2.49% of the population of North Dakota benefits from HUD assistance.
- 7,087 North Dakota households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (74% capacity).
- 2,297 live in Section 8 Project Housing (81% capacity).
- 1,283 households in North Dakota live in Public Housing (78% capacity).
- 60 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (80% capacity).
- 117 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (89% capacity).
- 86 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (81% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Ohio
209,386 households in Ohio occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Ohio averages 2 members.
- 3.51% of the population of Ohio benefits from HUD assistance.
- 93,300 Ohio households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (89% capacity).
- 70,822 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 36,831 households in Ohio live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- 6,465 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 1,588 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 380 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (92% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Oklahoma
48,806 households in Oklahoma occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Oklahoma averages 2 members.
- 2.43% of the population of Oklahoma benefits from HUD assistance.
- 24,366 Oklahoma households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (91% capacity).
- 12,176 live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 10,476 households in Oklahoma live in Public Housing (93% capacity).
- 1,040 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (93% capacity).
- 667 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 81 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (99% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Oregon
50,998 households in Oregon occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Oregon averages 1.9 members.
- 2.30% of the population of Oregon benefits from HUD assistance.
- 36,418 Oregon households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (89% capacity).
- 9,434 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 2,987 households in Oregon live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- 1,378 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 516 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- 265 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (105% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Pennsylvania
198,778 households in Pennsylvania occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Pennsylvania averages 1.9 members.
- 2.92% of the population of Pennsylvania benefits from HUD assistance.
- 54,754 Pennsylvania households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (81% capacity).
- 58,772 live in Section 8 Project Housing (95% capacity).
- 77,012 households in Pennsylvania live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- 121 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (47% capacity).
- 5,829 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 1,157 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 1,133 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (110% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Puerto Rico
96,598 households in Puerto Rico occupy 72% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Puerto Rico averages 2.2 members.
- 27,912 households in Puerto Rico use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (89% capacity).
- 17,195 live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 49,524 households in Puerto Rico live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 903 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (93% capacity).
- 131 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 933 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (85% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Rhode Island
35,387 households in Rhode Island occupy 93% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Rhode Island averages 1.7 members.
- 5.62% of the population of Rhode Island benefits from HUD assistance.
- 9,151 Rhode Island households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (83% capacity).
- 15,548 live in Section 8 Project Housing (97% capacity).
- 8,754 households in Rhode Island live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- 1,238 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 478 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (97% capacity).
- 218 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (142% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
South Carolina
58,791 households in South Carolina occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in South Carolina averages 2.2 members.
- 2.51% of the population of South Carolina benefits from HUD assistance.
- 25,945 South Carolina households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (90% capacity).
- 18,001 live in Section 8 Project Housing (95% capacity).
- 11,944 households in South Carolina live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- 1,690 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 1,029 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (97% capacity).
- 182 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (67%% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
South Dakota
11,660 households in South Dakota occupy 84% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in South Dakota averages 1.8 members.
- 2.39% of the population of South Dakota benefits from HUD assistance.
- 5,344 South Dakota households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (80% capacity).
- 4,568 live in Section 8 Project Housing (86% capacity).
- 1,382 households in South Dakota live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- 179 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (94% capacity).
- 79 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 108 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (91% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Tennessee
98,118 households in Tennessee occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Tennessee averages 2.1 members.
- 2.95% of the population of Tennessee benefits from HUD assistance.
- 36,567 Tennessee households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (92% capacity).
- 36,869 live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 21,140 households in Tennessee live in Public Housing (93% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,609 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 686 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 238 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (154% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Texas
252,992 households in Texas occupy 87% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Texas averages 2.3 members.
- 2.01% of the population of Texas benefits from HUD assistance.
- 151,455 Texas households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 54,206 live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 38,971 households in Texas live in Public Housing (92% capacity).
- 19 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (83% capacity).
- 6,198 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 1,196 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 947 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (116% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Utah
18,313 households in Utah occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Utah averages 2 members.
- 1.12% of the population of Utah benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,840 Utah households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (90% capacity).
- 4,132 live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 1,462 households in Utah live in Public Housing (98% capacity).
- 630 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 112 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (98% capacity).
- 137 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (72% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Vermont
12,022 households in Vermont occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Vermont averages 1.8 members.
- 3.38% of the population of Vermont benefits from HUD assistance.
- 7,957 Vermont households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (89% capacity).
- 3,256 live in Section 8 Project Housing (97% capacity).
- 452 households in Vermont live in Public Housing (76% capacity).
- 248 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 62 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 47 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (188% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Virginia
95,521 households in Virginia occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Virginia averages 2.1 members.
- 2.40% of the population of Virginia benefits from HUD assistance.
- 49,712 Virginia households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 28,949 live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 13,646 households in Virginia live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- None benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,321 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 569 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 320 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (90% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
Virgin Islands (U.S.)
4,415 households in Virgin Islands occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Virgin Islands averages 2.3 members.
- 1,387 Virgin Islands households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (78% capacity).
- 951 live in Section 8 Project Housing (70% capacity).
- 1,992 households in Virgin Islands live in Public Housing (76% capacity).
- 54 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 31 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Washington
88,335 households in Washington occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Washington averages 2 members.
- 2.30% of the population of Washington benefits from HUD assistance.
- 60,096 Washington households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (91% capacity).
- 14,257 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 10,520 households in Washington live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- 2,494 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (99% capacity).
- 492 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- 476 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (89% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
West Virginia
31,324 households in West Virginia occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in West Virginia averages 1.8 members.
- 3.13% of the population of West Virginia benefits from HUD assistance.
- 14,417 West Virginia households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (88% capacity).
- 10,137 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 5,997 households in West Virginia live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 325 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (91% capacity).
- 314 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 134 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (66% capacity).
- No renters assistance program.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Wisconsin
68,585 households in Wisconsin occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Wisconsin averages 1.7 members.
- 2.00% of the population of Wisconsin benefits from HUD assistance.
- 26,617 Wisconsin households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (79% capacity).
- 29,653 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 10,102 households in Wisconsin live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- 1,628 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 495 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 90 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (111% capacity).
- No renters assistance.
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Wyoming
5,451 households in Wyoming occupy 93% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Wyoming averages 1.7 members.
- 1.56% of the population of Wyoming benefits from HUD assistance.
- 2,603 Wyoming households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (97% capacity).
- 2,029 live in Section 8 Project Housing (87% capacity).
- 629 households in Wyoming live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 137 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 42 use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 11 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (94% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
Other Affordable Housing Programs
In common usage, “Section 8” may refer to housing assistance in general. Not all housing assistance programs are subsidized by HUD.
- 880,145 households or 1.82 million Americans live in Public Housing.
- The average household has 2.1 members.
- 32,813 Americans benefit from Moderate Rehabilitation or Mod Rehab, which helps homeless individuals find housing.
- Tax credits are ultimately managed by the Internal Revenue Service.
- HOME is the largest Federal grant program, which finances affordable housing in participating jurisdictions.
- Section 236 refers to multi-family subsidized housing.
Section 202: Housing for Elderly
Under Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959, HUD provides Supportive Housing for the Elderly through rent and housing subsidies.
- 132,110 Americans benefit from Section 202.
- The program is at 97% capacity.
- The average number of tenants per unit is 1.1.
- Eligible tenants are very low-income households that include at least one person over the age of 62.
- A property must provide housing to very low-income elderly for a minimum of 40 years in order to qualify for HUD subsidies.
- Only private nonprofit organizations and nonprofit consumer cooperatives are eligible to participate in the program as property owners.
Section 811: Housing for Disabled
Under Section 811 of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, HUD provides Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities via subsidies.
- 34,298 Americans benefit from Section 811.
- The program operates at 94% capacity.
- The average number of tenants per unit is 1.1.
- Disabled adults may qualify only if they are very low-income or extremely-low income as defined by HUD.
- Adults with physical disability, developmental disability, and/or chronic mental illness are eligible.
- Nonprofit developers of affordable housing for persons with disabilities may be eligible for interest-free capital advances.
- State housing agencies may provide project rental assistance to new or existing multifamily housing complexes funded through state, Federal, and local programs.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet
- HUD, Program Offices: Public Housing
- HUD Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), Assisted Housing: National and Local
- PD&R Edge, A Snapshot of HUD-Assisted Households
- Housing Authority of the City of High Point, Frequently Asked Questions From Landlords About The Section 8 Program
- Northwestern Regional Housing Authority, What is the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing?
- National Center for Housing Management, Section 8 vs. Section 42
- Iowa State University Community Indicators Program, Annual Estimates of the Total Population for States
- U.S. Census Bureau, World Population Clock