Last Updated: November 22, 2023
Highlights. Housing assistance programs such as Section 8 & Public Housing provide affordable housing to 2.71% of Americans through rental and housing subsidies.
- 9.03 million Americans benefit from housing assistance.
- 2.01 million live in Section 8 housing.
- 74% of public assistance households are female-headed.
- $16,020 is the average income per public assistance household.
- $341 is the average family monthly rent expenditure 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.
- 9.03 million or 2.71% of Americans benefit from Section 8 and other forms of housing assistance through HUD.
- The median average rent among Section 8 households is $341 per month ($4,088 per year).
- The average annual HUD household income is $16,019.
- 2.01 million Americans live in Section 8 Project Housing.
- 5.18 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.
- 2.35 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 agency (PHA).
HUD Statistics
Millions more Americans benefit from other forms of housing assistance. When combined with Section 8 tenants, 4.5 million households are HUD households.
- The average HUD household pays $386 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%).
- 44% of HUD-assisted individuals are Black, including Black Hispanic (2%), as well as non-Hispanic (42%).
- 30% of households with children are female-headed.
- 24% of individuals benefiting from HUD are disabled in some way.
- The average HUD household uses housing assistance for 10.1 years.
- Households in public housing remain part of their program the longest at an average of 11.6 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, broken, 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 discriminate 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.
- 1.2 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.
- Massachusetts has the highest rate of program usage, serving households at 93% capacity.
- North Dakota has the lowest rate of program usage, serving households at 70% capacity.
- Hawaii has the largest HUD households with an average 2.4 residents per housing unit.
- New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Wyoming have the smallest households with an average 1.6 residents.
- Utah has the smallest number of HUD residents per capita at 1.04%.
- The District of Columbia has the highest number of HUD residents per capita at 7.37%.
- Among states only, Rhode Island has the highest rate of HUD residents at 5.30%.
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 | 82,151 | 87% |
Alaska | 7,192 | 92% |
Arizona | 38,098 | 86% |
Arkansas | 44,152 | 85% |
California | 457,082 | 87% |
Colorado | 57,142 | 88% |
Connecticut | 77,390 | 90% |
Delaware | 11,640 | 85% |
District of Columbia | 24,992 | 76% |
Florida | 187,284 | 88% |
Georgia | 117,893 | 85% |
Guam | 3,264 | 90% |
Hawaii | 20,521 | 89% |
Idaho | 11,544 | 86% |
Illinois | 204,481 | 88% |
Indiana | 78,328 | 87% |
Iowa | 35,657 | 84% |
Kansas | 29,707 | 82% |
Kentucky | 76,377 | 89% |
Louisiana | 80,728 | 83% |
Maine | 24,854 | 88% |
Maryland | 91,147 | 88% |
Massachusetts | 184,441 | 93% |
Michigan | 129,583 | 89% |
Minnesota | 83,746 | 88% |
Mississippi | 51,431 | 90% |
Missouri | 80,085 | 85% |
Montana | 11,747 | 81% |
Nebraska | 24,407 | 85% |
Nevada | 22,264 | 90% |
New Hampshire | 21,394 | 92% |
New Jersey | 152,308 | 91% |
New Mexico | 21,107 | 79% |
New York | 497,436 | 89% |
North Carolina | 110,745 | 84% |
North Dakota | 11,165 | 70% |
Northern Mariana Islands | 488 | 94% |
Ohio | 201,356 | 88% |
Oklahoma | 47,770 | 85% |
Oregon | 52,587 | 87% |
Pennsylvania | 196,534 | 88% |
Puerto Rico | 97,307 | 91% |
Rhode Island | 35,237 | 91% |
South Carolina | 57,020 | 88% |
South Dakota | 11,737 | 82% |
Tennessee | 94,792 | 89% |
Texas | 254,668 | 86% |
Utah | 18,507 | 86% |
Vermont | 12,178 | 85% |
Virgin Islands (U.S.) | 4,436 | 75% |
Virginia | 95,150 | 87% |
Washington | 89,943 | 88% |
West Virginia | 31,348 | 90% |
Wisconsin | 67,790 | 85% |
Wyoming | 5,240 | 89% |
Alabama
82,151 households in Alabama occupy 87% of available HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Alabama averages 2.2 members.
- 3.49% of the population benefits from HUD assistance.
- 33,859 Alabama households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for 82% program utilization (40,227 available).
- 18,577 households live in Section 8 Project Housing, occupying 92% of 20,425 units.
- 27,135 Alabama households live in (90% of 30,560 available) Public Housing units.
- No households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,000 households in Alabama use Section 202 housing assistance for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 565 use Section 811 or housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 15 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program.
Alaska
7,192 households in Alaska occupy 92% of available HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Alaska averages 1.9 members.
- 1.89% of the population of Alaska benefits from HUD assistance.
- 4,476 Alaska households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for 92% program utilization (4,922 available).
- 1,095 households live in Section 8 Project Housing for 92% occupancy of 1,203 available units.
- 1,137 households in Alaska live in (91% of 1,247 available) Public Housing units.
- No households benefit Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 253 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 163 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (90% capacity).
- 68 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (96% capacity).
Arizona
38,098 households in Arizona occupy 86% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Arizona averages 2.2 members.
- 1.13% of the population of Arizona benefits from HUD assistance.
- 23,065 Arizona households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for 81% program utilization (25,721 available).
- 8,492 households live in Section 8 Project Housing for 94% occupancy of 8,929 units.
- 3,858 households in Arizona live in Public Housing (4,236 units at 91% occupancy).
- 270 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (72% capacity).
- 1,860 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 445 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (88% capacity).
- 108 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (92% capacity).
Arkansas
44,152 households in Arkansas occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Arkansas averages 1.9 members.
- 2.74% of the population of Arkansas benefits from HUD assistance.
- 22,549 households in Arkansas use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for 79% program utilization.
- 9,905 Arkansas households live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% occupancy).
- 9,356 Arkansas households live in Public Housing (93% occupancy).
- No households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,463 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (94% capacity).
- 807 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 72 Arkansas households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (75% capacity).
California
457,082 households in California occupy 87% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in California averages 2.0 members.
- 2.34% of the population of California benefits from HUD assistance.
- 319,524 California households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 97,850 households in California live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% occupancy).
- 22,357 California households live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 244 California households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (42% capacity).
- 13,152 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 2,436 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- 1,519 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (109% capacity).
Colorado
57,142 households in Colorado occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Colorado averages 1.9 members.
- 1.89% of the population of Colorado benefits from HUD assistance.
- 33,209 Colorado households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (83% capacity).
- 15,808 households in Colorado live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 5,872 Colorado households live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 46 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (21% capacity).
- 1,436 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 308 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- 463 Colorado households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (106% capacity).
Connecticut
77,390 households in Connecticut occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Connecticut averages 1.9 members.
- 4.12% of the population of Connecticut benefits from HUD assistance.
- 40,791 Connecticut households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 22,188 Connecticut households live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 11,935 households in Connecticut live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,858 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 210 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 399 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program.
Delaware
11,640 households in Delaware occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Delaware averages 2.0 members.
- 2.32% of the population of Delaware benefits from HUD assistance.
- 4,722 Delaware households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (77% capacity).
- 4,370 households in Delaware live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 1,842 Delaware households live in Public Housing (90% capacity).
- No households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 421 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (99% capacity).
- 294 Delaware households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (89% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
District of Columbia
24,992 households in D.C. occupy 76% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in D.C. averages 2.0 members.
- 7.37% of the population of D.C. benefits from HUD assistance.
- 111,794 D.C. households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (72% capacity).
- 8,730 live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 3,776 households in D.C. live in Public Housing (67% capacity).
- No households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 378 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 114 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (89% capacity).
- 200 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (73% capacity).
Florida
187,284 households in Florida occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Florida averages 2.1 members.
- 1.81% of the population of Florida benefits from HUD assistance.
- 113,522 Florida households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 40,684 households in Florida live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 21,657 Florida households live in Public Housing (89% capacity).
- 121 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (1513% capacity).
- 7,223 Florida households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (99% capacity).
- 1,406 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 2,671 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (123% capacity).
Georgia
117,893 households in Georgia occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Georgia averages 2.2 members.
- 2.39% of the population of Georgia benefits from HUD assistance.
- 57,916 Georgia households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (79% capacity).
- 32,227 households in Georgia live in Section 8 Project Housing (89% capacity).
- 24,465 Georgia households live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- No households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,632 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 547 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 106 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (92% capacity).
Hawaii
20,521 households in Hawaii occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Hawaii averages 2.4 members.
- 3.44% of the population of Hawaii benefits from HUD assistance.
- 12,360 Hawaii households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 3,045 households in Hawaii live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 4,361 households in Hawaii live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households use Section 236 or Multifamily Subsidized Housing.
- 563 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 156 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (90% capacity).
- 34 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (80% capacity).
Idaho
11,544 households in Idaho occupy 86% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Idaho averages 1.8 members.
- 1.07% of the population of Idaho benefits from HUD assistance.
- 6,932 Idaho households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (82% capacity).
- 3,530 households in Idaho live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 590 households in Idaho live in Public Housing (98% capacity).
- 12 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (24% capacity).
- 381 Idaho households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 99 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (97% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
Illinois
204,481 households in Illinois occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Illinois averages 1.9 members.
- 3.13% of the population of Illinois benefits from HUD assistance.
- 99,240 Illinois households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 60,666 live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 36,945 households in Illinois live in Public Housing (89% capacity).
- 160 use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (40% capacity).
- 5,221 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 1,468 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 781 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (136% capacity).
Indiana
78,328 households in Indiana occupy 87% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Indiana averages 1.9 members.
- 2.16% of the population of Indiana benefits from HUD assistance.
- 38,510 Indiana households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (83% capacity).
- 27,465 households of Indiana live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 9,309 households in Indiana live in Public Housing (89% capacity).
- 81 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (50% capacity).
- 2,157 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 751 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 55 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (91% capacity).
Iowa
35,657 households in Iowa occupy 84% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Iowa averages 1.7 members.
- 1.91% of the population of Iowa benefits from HUD assistance.
- 19,631 Iowa households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (80% capacity).
- 10,998 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 3,737 households in Iowa live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,032 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (95% capacity).
- 227 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (87% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program.
Kansas
29,707 households in Kansas occupy 82% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Kansas averages 1.7 members.
- 1.68% of the population of Kansas benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,320 Kansas households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (75% capacity).
- 10,238 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (85% capacity).
- 7,152 households in Kansas live in Public Housing (86% capacity).
- No households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 705 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 292 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (83% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
Kentucky
76,377 households in Kentucky occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Kentucky averages 1.9 members.
- 3.29% of the population of Kentucky benefits from HUD assistance.
- 34,024 Kentucky households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 21,358 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 19,008 households in Kentucky Public Housing (93% capacity).
- No households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,423 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (94% capacity).
- 433 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (89% capacity).
- 131 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (93% capacity).
Louisiana
80,728 families in Louisiana occupy 83% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Louisiana averages 2.2 members.
- 3.83% of the population of Louisiana benefits from HUD assistance.
- 49,073 Louisiana households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (79% capacity).
- 14,151 households live in Section 8 Project Housing units (89% capacity).
- 14,536 households in Louisiana live in Public Housing units (88% capacity).
- No households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,929 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (93% capacity).
- 831 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 208 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (81% capacity).
Maine
24,854 households in Maine occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Maine averages 1.7 members.
- 3.09% of the population of Maine benefits from HUD assistance.
- 12,608 Maine households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (81% capacity).
- 7,835 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (96% capacity).
- 3,299 households in Maine live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- No households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 731 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 160 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 221 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (152% capacity).
Maryland
91,147 households in Maryland occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Maryland averages 2.0 members.
- 2.98% of the population of Maryland benefits from HUD assistance.
- 51,604 Maryland households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (86% capacity).
- 25,708 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 9,349 households in Maryland live in Public Housing (85% capacity).
- 207 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (67% capacity).
- 3,108 use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 987 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (90% capacity).
- 184 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (114% capacity).
Massachusetts
184,441 households in Massachusetts occupy 93% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household averages 1.9 members.
- 4.92% of the population of Massachusetts benefits from HUD assistance.
- 92,631 Massachusetts households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (91% capacity).
- 55,756 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 29,618 households live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- 43 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (3% capacity).
- 3,746 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 888 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 1,759 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (96% capacity).
Michigan
129,583 households occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Michigan averages 1.8 members.
- 2.37% of the population of Michigan benefits from HUD assistance.
- 56,281 Michigan households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 53,233 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 16,022 households in Michigan live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- 113 households in Michigan use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (36% capacity).
- 3,133 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 520 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 280 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (105% capacity).
Minnesota
83,746 households in Minnesota occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Minnesota averages 2.0 members.
- 2.88% of the population of Minnesota benefits from HUD assistance.
- 35,140 Minnesota households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 31,137 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (88% capacity).
- 14,208 households in Minnesota live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,284 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (95% capacity).
- 717 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 257 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (158% capacity).
Mississippi
51,431 households in Mississippi occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Mississippi averages 2.3 members.
- 4.05% of the population of Mississippi benefits from HUD assistance.
- 25,705 Mississippi households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (89% capacity).
- 16,691 live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 7,693 households in Mississippi live in Public Housing (93% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 957 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (95% capacity).
- 384 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (90% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
Missouri
80,085 households in Missouri occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Missouri averages 1.9 members.
- 2.47% of the population of Missouri benefits from HUD assistance.
- 39,846 Missouri households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (80% capacity).
- 21,552 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (88% capacity).
- 14,732 households in Missouri live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- 66 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (53% capacity).
- 2,885 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 985 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 19 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (95% capacity).
Montana
11,747 households in Montana occupy 81% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Montana averages 1.7 members.
- 1.79% of the population of Montana benefits from HUD assistance.
- 5,827 Montana households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (74% capacity).
- 3,803 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (86% capacity).
- 1,321 households in Montana live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 454 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 122 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 210 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (82% capacity).
Nebraska
24,407 households in Nebraska occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Nebraska averages 1.9 members.
- 2.31% of the population of Nebraska benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,487 Nebraska households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (79% capacity).
- 5,672 households in Nebraska live in Section 8 Project Housing (87% capacity).
- 6,260 households in Nebraska live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 575 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (92% capacity).
- 325 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (84% capacity).
- 88 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (100% capacity).
Nevada
22,264 households in Nevada occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Nevada averages 2.2 members.
- 1.53% of the population of Nevada benefits from HUD assistance.
- 15,815 Nevada households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (89% capacity).
- 3,014 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 2,721 households in Nevada live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 408 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 306 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
New Hampshire
21,394 households in New Hampshire occupy 92% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New Hampshire averages 1.6 members.
- 2.53% of the population of New Hampshire benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,009 New Hampshire households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (87% capacity).
- 5,624 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (96% capacity).
- 3,443 households in New Hampshire live in Public Housing (98% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,157 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 28 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (89% capacity).
- 133 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (80% capacity).
New Jersey
152,308 households in New Jersey occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New Jersey averages 1.9 members.
- 3.11% of the population of New Jersey benefits from HUD assistance.
- 77,367 New Jersey households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (88% capacity).
- 45,867 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 24,037 households in New Jersey live in Public Housing (90% capacity).
- 106 households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (7% capacity).
- 3,723 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 866 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 342 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (84% capacity).
New Mexico
21,107 households in New Mexico occupy 79% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New Mexico averages 2.0 members.
- 1.98% of the population of New Mexico benefits from HUD assistance.
- 11,560 New Mexico households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (71% capacity).
- 5,109 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 3,483 households in New Mexico live in Public Housing (92% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 667 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 270 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- 18 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (100% capacity).
New York
497,436 households in New York occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in New York averages 2.0 members.
- 5.01% of the population of New York benefits from HUD assistance.
- 224,540 New York households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 100,313 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (89% capacity).
- 153,976 households in New York live in Public Housing (95%mcapacity).
- 880 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (16% capacity).
- 12,873 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 1,737 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 3,117 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (87% capacity).
North Carolina
110,745 households in North Carolina occupy 84% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in North Carolina averages 2.1 members.
- 2.17% of the population of North Carolina benefits from HUD assistance.
- 58,570 households in North Carolina use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (77% capacity).
- 25,922 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 21,921 households in North Carolina live in Public Housing (90% capacity).
- 22 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (67% capacity).
- 3,037 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 1,230 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (90% capacity).
- 43 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (100% capacity).
North Dakota
11,165 households in North Dakota occupy 70% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in North Dakota averages 1.7 members.
- 2.43% of the population of North Dakota benefits from HUD assistance.
- 7,702 North Dakota households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (67% capacity).
- 2,160 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (78% capacity).
- 1,063 households in North Dakota live in Public Housing (78% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 54 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (80% capacity).
- 116 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (87% capacity).
- 70 benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program.
Ohio
201,356 households in Ohio occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Ohio averages 1.9 members.
- 3.31% of the population of Ohio benefits from HUD assistance.
- 90,852 Ohio households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 71,261 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 31,025 households in Ohio live in Public Housing (90% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 6,366 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 1,574 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 278 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (92% capacity).
Oklahoma
47,770 households in Oklahoma occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Oklahoma averages 2.0 members.
- 2.33% of the population of Oklahoma benefits from HUD assistance.
- 24,655 Oklahoma households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (80% capacity).
- 11,760 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (89% capacity).
- 9,567 households in Oklahoma live in Public Housing (89% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,038 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (92% capacity).
- 670 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 80 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (84% capacity).
Oregon
52,587 households in Oregon occupy 87% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Oregon averages 1.9 members.
- 2.31% of the population of Oregon benefits from HUD assistance.
- 38,851 Oregon households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 9,054 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 2,620 households in Oregon live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,406 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 468 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 188 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (142% capacity).
Pennsylvania
196,534 households in Pennsylvania occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Pennsylvania averages 1.9 members.
- 2.81% of the population of Pennsylvania benefits from HUD assistance.
- 78,109 Pennsylvania households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (80% capacity).
- 57,922 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (94% capacity).
- 52,672 households in Pennsylvania live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- 80 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (32% capacity).
- 5,613 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 1,063 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 1,075 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (66% capacity).
Puerto Rico
97,307 households in Puerto Rico occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Puerto Rico averages 2.1 members.
- 6.28% of the population of Puerto Rico benefits from HUD assistance.
- 28,132 households in Puerto Rico use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 17,415 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 49,880 households in Puerto Rico live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 926 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (93% capacity).
- 138 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 816 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (100% capacity).
Rhode Island
35,237 households in Rhode Island occupy 91% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Rhode Island averages 1.6 members.
- 5.30% of the population of Rhode Island benefits from HUD assistance.
- 9,023 Rhode Island households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (78% capacity).
- 15,590 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (96% capacity).
- 8,750 households in Rhode Island live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,201 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 461 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (97% capacity).
- 212 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (106% capacity).
South Carolina
57,020 households in South Carolina occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in South Carolina averages 2.2 members.
- 2.34% of the population of South Carolina benefits from HUD assistance.
- 25,778 South Carolina households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (84% capacity).
- 17,406 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (93% capacity).
- 11,088 households in South Carolina live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,681 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 1,034 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (97% capacity).
- 33 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (98% capacity).
South Dakota
11,737 households in South Dakota occupy 82% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in South Dakota averages 1.8 members.
- 2.28% of the population of South Dakota benefits from HUD assistance.
- 5,481 South Dakota households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (78% capacity).
- 4,459 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (85% capacity).
- 1,439 households in South Dakota live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 177 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 81 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (87% capacity).
- 100 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (88% capacity).
Tennessee
94,792 households in Tennessee occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Tennessee averages 2.0 members.
- 2.72% of the population of Tennessee benefits from HUD assistance.
- 35,474 Tennessee households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 37,548 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (90% capacity).
- 18,292 households in Tennessee live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,600 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 664 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 167 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (109% capacity).
Texas
254,668 households in Texas occupy 86% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Texas averages 2.3 members.
- 1.93% of the population of Texas benefits from HUD assistance.
- 156,403 Texas households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (81% capacity).
- 53,642 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 36,452 households in Texas live in Public Housing (93% capacity).
- 13 households use Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing (57% capacity).
- 6,082 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 1,169 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- 907 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (126% capacity).
Utah
18,507 households in Utah occupy 86% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Utah averages 1.9 members.
- 1.04% of the population of Utah benefits from HUD assistance.
- 12,511 Utah households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (83% capacity).
- 4,051 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 1,102 households in Utah live in Public Housing (94% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 621 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 103 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 119 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (99% capacity).
Vermont
12,178 households in Vermont occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Vermont averages 1.7 members.
- 3.26% of the population of Vermont benefits from HUD assistance.
- 8,201 Vermont households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (80% capacity).
- 3,223 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (96% capacity).
- 406 households in Vermont live in Public Housing (97% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 252 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (96% capacity).
- 58 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (96% capacity).
- 38 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (107% capacity).
Virginia
95,150 households in Virginia occupy 87% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Virginia averages 2.1 members.
- 2.32% of the population of Virginia benefits from HUD assistance.
- 51,596 Virginia households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (83% capacity).
- 28,062 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 12,380 households in Virginia live in Public Housing (92% capacity).
- No households benefit from Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,305 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (98% capacity).
- 576 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (92% capacity).
- 231 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (56% capacity).
Virgin Islands (U.S.)
4,398 households in the U.S. Virgin Islands occupy 73% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in the Virgin Islands averages 2.3 members.
- 9.58% of the population of the Virgin Island benefits from HUD assistance
- 1,288 Virgin Islands households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (68% capacity).
- 1,164 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (72% capacity).
- 1,900 households in the Virgin Islands live in Public Housing (82% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 55 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (95% capacity).
- 29 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (94% capacity).
- No moderate rehabilitation program.
Washington
89,943 households in Washington occupy 88% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Washington averages 1.9 members.
- 2.24% of the population of Washington benefits from HUD assistance.
- 62,962 Washington households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (85% capacity).
- 13,748 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 19,934 households in Washington live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- Fewer than 11 Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 2,422 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 514 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (95% capacity).
- 362 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (55% capacity).
West Virginia
31,348 households in West Virginia occupy 90% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in West Virginia averages 1.7 members.
- 3.08% of the population of West Virginia benefits from HUD assistance.
- 14,537 West Virginia households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (87% capacity).
- 10,063 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (92% capacity).
- 6,005 households in West Virginia live in Public Housing (95% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 337 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (88% capacity).
- 322 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (91% capacity).
- 84 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (73% capacity).
Wisconsin
67,790 households in Wisconsin occupy 85% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Wisconsin averages 1.7 members.
- 1.92% of the population of Wisconsin benefits from HUD assistance.
- 26,817 Wisconsin households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (75% capacity).
- 28,978 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (91% capacity).
- 9,871 households in Wisconsin live in Public Housing (96% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 1,568 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (95% capacity).
- 479 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (93% capacity).
- 77 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (84% capacity).
Wyoming
5,240 households in Wyoming occupy 89% of HUD units.
- Each HUD household in Wyoming averages 1.6 members.
- 1.45% of the population of Wyoming benefits from HUD assistance.
- 2,538 Wyoming households use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (92% capacity).
- 1,911 households live in Section 8 Project Housing (85% capacity).
- 600 households in Wyoming live in Public Housing (91% capacity).
- No Section 236 or Multi-Family Subsidized Housing.
- 138 households use Section 202 affordable housing for elderly persons (97% capacity).
- 40 households use Section 811 affordable housing for disabled persons (97% capacity).
- 13 households benefit from the moderate rehabilitation program (87% capacity).
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.
- 806,816 households or 1.65 million Americans live in Public Housing.
- The average household has 2.0 members.
- 18,359 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 Persons
Under Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959, HUD provides Supportive Housing for the Elderly through rent and housing subsidies.
- 120,658 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 Persons
Under Section 811 of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, HUD provides Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities via subsidies.
- 33,223 Americans benefit from Section 811.
- The program operates at 92% 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
- U.S. Census Bureau State Population Totals,
- HUD Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), Assisted Housing: National and Local
- Northwestern Regional Housing Authority, What is the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing?
- Housing Authority of the City of High Point, Frequently Asked Questions From Landlords About The Section 8 Program