Affordable Housing Hub

Affordable Housing in Essex County, Massachusetts

23 cities with 855 housing listings · Pop. 475,428

855
Total Listings
23
Cities
295
Public Housing
100
LIHTC
460
Authorities
16
Open Waitlists

16 waitlists are currently open in Essex County

Apply before waitlists close. Check each listing for details and deadlines.

Fair Market Rent - Essex County, MA

FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit in this area.

BedroomsFMR
Studio/Efficiency$2,212
1 Bedroom$2,377
2 Bedroom$2,827
3 Bedroom$3,418
4 Bedroom$3,765

Income Limits - Essex County, MA

Annual income limits by household size used to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs.

1 Person
Extremely Low (30%)
$28,200
Very Low (50%)
$47,000
Low (80%)
$70,750
2 Persons
Extremely Low (30%)
$32,200
Very Low (50%)
$53,700
Low (80%)
$80,850
3 Persons
Extremely Low (30%)
$36,250
Very Low (50%)
$60,400
Low (80%)
$90,950
4 Persons
Extremely Low (30%)
$40,250
Very Low (50%)
$67,100
Low (80%)
$101,050
5 Persons
Extremely Low (30%)
$43,500
Very Low (50%)
$72,500
Low (80%)
$109,150
6 Persons
Extremely Low (30%)
$46,700
Very Low (50%)
$77,850
Low (80%)
$117,250
7 Persons
Extremely Low (30%)
$49,950
Very Low (50%)
$83,250
Low (80%)
$125,350
8 Persons
Extremely Low (30%)
$53,150
Very Low (50%)
$88,600
Low (80%)
$133,400

All Cities in Essex County

Frequently Asked Questions About Housing in Essex County, MA

How many affordable housing options are in Essex County, Massachusetts?+

Essex County, Massachusetts has 855 affordable housing listings across 23 cities, with a total of 2,422 housing units. This includes 295 public housing, 100 LIHTC, and 460 housing authority listings.

What cities in Essex County have affordable housing?+

Essex County has affordable housing in 23 cities. The top cities include Lawrence, Lynn, Danvers, Beverly, North Andover. Browse the city listings on this page to see all available options by location.

What are the Fair Market Rents in Essex County, Massachusetts?+

The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Essex County, Massachusetts is: Studio: $2212, 1BR: $2377, 2BR: $2827, 3BR: $3418, 4BR: $3765. FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit. Subsidized housing typically charges 30% of the tenant's income.

What are the income limits for affordable housing in Essex County, Massachusetts?+

For a 4-person household in Essex County, Massachusetts: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): $40,250, Very Low Income (50% AMI): $67,100, Low Income (80% AMI): $101,050. These HUD-set limits determine eligibility for various housing programs and are updated annually.

How do I apply for affordable housing in Essex County, Massachusetts?+

To apply for affordable housing in Essex County, Massachusetts: 1) Browse the listings on this page to find properties in your preferred city, 2) Contact the property or housing authority directly, 3) Complete their application, and 4) Provide proof of income and household size. Waitlist times vary — apply to multiple properties to maximize your chances.

What types of housing programs are available in Essex County, Massachusetts?+

Essex County, Massachusetts offers three main types of affordable housing: Public Housing (295 listings) — government-owned properties with income-based rent; LIHTC (100 listings) — privately owned apartments built with tax credits, offering below-market rents; and Housing Authorities (460 listings) — agencies administering Section 8 vouchers and public housing programs.

Are there open waitlists for affordable housing in Essex County, Massachusetts?+

Yes, there are currently 16 housing authorities with open waitlists in Essex County, Massachusetts. Browse the city listings below and look for the waitlist status badges to find open applications. Waitlist availability changes frequently, so check back often or contact the housing authority directly.

How large is the population of Essex County?+

Essex County has an estimated population of 475,428 across 23 cities. With 855 affordable housing properties serving the area, the county provides a range of housing assistance options for eligible residents.

Housing Resources in Lawrence, MA

HUD-Approved Counseling Agencies

ACT LAWRENCE, INC FORMERLY ARLINGTON COMMUNITY TRABAJANDO, INC

Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution CounselingPre-Purchase CounselingPre-Purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops

CENTRO DE APOYO FAMILIAR (CAF)-MA

Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution CounselingPre-Purchase CounselingPre-Purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops

LAWRENCE COMMUNITYWORKS, INC.

Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution CounselingPre-Purchase CounselingPre-Purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops

Other Counties in Massachusetts