Idaho’s growing population and rising rental costs have created challenges for low-income families seeking affordable housing. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered by local housing authorities, provides a critical solution. By covering a portion of rent payments, this federal program helps families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities secure safe and stable homes.

This guide explores eligibility requirements, income limits, fair market rents, and the application process specific to Idaho in 2025, along with alternative housing options for those seeking assistance.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Idaho?

Eligibility for Section 8 in Idaho is determined by a range of criteria designed to ensure the program serves those most in need:

Income Guidelines: To qualify, household income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For instance, in Ada County, a family of four earning $38,000 or less in 2025 may qualify, with households earning below 30% of the AMI often prioritized.

Residency and Legal Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or have an eligible immigration status to participate.

Rental and Background Screening: Applicants must demonstrate a history of responsible tenancy, including compliance with lease agreements, and must pass a criminal background check. Certain offenses may result in disqualification.

While meeting these requirements makes you eligible, high demand often results in waiting lists. Submitting a complete application early and keeping your information updated can improve your chances of receiving assistance.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Idaho?

Section 8 housing in Idaho is designed to help low-income families afford safe and decent housing. The program does this by subsidizing a portion of the rent payment for eligible families. The amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Idaho depends on several factors, including the size of your household and the fair market rent (FMR) for your area.

Section 8 calculates rent payments based on a formula that takes into account the total gross income of the household, the number of people in the household, and other factors. In general, Section 8 will pay the difference between 30% of the household's adjusted income and the FMR for the area.

The FMR (Fair Market Rent) is the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a particular unit size in a specific area. Determined annually by HUD, the FMR is based on the local housing market and reflects rental price trends. The FMR may vary by area and unit size, so it’s important to check with your local housing authority for the most up-to-date information.

In Idaho, the maximum rent payment limits for Section 8 housing vary by county and unit size. As of 2025, the maximum rent payment limits for a two-bedroom unit range from $850 to $1,200 per month, depending on the county. These limits are reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect changes in the rental market and ensure equitable access to affordable housing.

Factors that affect the rent payment amounts for Section 8 housing in Idaho include the size of the household, the income of the household, the FMR for the area, and other factors that may affect the availability and cost of rental housing in the area.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Idaho

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Idaho, your household income must fall below a specific threshold. The income limits for Section 8 housing in Idaho are based on the area median income (AMI) and household size. These limits vary by location and are updated annually to reflect economic conditions.

Section 8 determines income eligibility by considering the total gross income of all household members, including wages, salaries, tips, child support, and public assistance. Income from non-citizens is generally excluded from the calculation.

In most cases, the income limits for Section 8 housing in Idaho are set at 50% of the AMI for the area. However, some households may qualify if their income falls within the 50%-80% AMI range, depending on local housing authority policies and funding availability.

For example, as of 2025, the income limit for a family of four in Boise County, Idaho is $42,000 per year for households at 50% of the AMI and $67,200 per year for households at 80% of the AMI. These limits vary by county and are subject to annual adjustment by HUD.

Tips for Qualifying for Section 8 Based on Income

Maximize Allowable Deductions: Certain deductions, such as medical expenses or childcare costs, may reduce your gross income for eligibility purposes.
Verify Household Composition: Increasing the size of your household by including additional dependents may impact your eligibility positively.
Stay Updated: Income limits and eligibility requirements change annually. Check with your local housing authority or the Idaho Housing and Finance Association for the latest information.

It’s important to note that meeting income limits does not guarantee approval for Section 8 housing, as other factors, such as criminal background and rental history, are also considered in the eligibility process. The following table shows current income limits for Idaho.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Idaho

Fair market rents (FMR) play a crucial role in the Section 8 housing program in Idaho. FMR represents the maximum rent that Section 8 will pay for a specific unit size in a given area. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the FMR annually based on local housing market data.

To establish the FMR, HUD conducts a detailed survey of rental units in each area, analyzing rents for various unit sizes. The FMR is set at the 40th percentile of the rent distribution, meaning it is higher than the rent for 40% of rental units in the local market, ensuring that a wide range of housing options is available to voucher holders.

The FMR for Section 8 housing in Idaho varies by county and unit size. As of 2025, the FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $850 in rural areas to $1,300 in the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area, reflecting increased housing costs across the state. These figures are reviewed and adjusted annually to align with changes in the housing market.

Fair market rents have a significant impact on Section 8 housing in Idaho. The FMR determines the maximum rent payment that Section 8 will make for a particular unit size in a specific area. If the rent for a unit is higher than the FMR, the tenant may be required to pay the difference between the rent and the FMR out of pocket. On the other hand, if the rent is lower than the FMR, the tenant may be able to save money on rent payments.

Overall, fair market rents are an important factor to consider when applying for Section 8 housing in Idaho. It's important to be aware of the FMR for your area and to choose rental units that are within the FMR limits to ensure that you are eligible for Section 8 housing assistance.

The following table shows current Fair Market Rents for Idaho.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Idaho?

The application process for Section 8 housing in Idaho involves these steps:

Check Eligibility: Confirm your household meets income and other requirements.
Find Your Local Housing Authority: Use the HUD PHA Directory to locate the nearest authority.
Complete Your Application: Submit your application online or in person. Provide required documents such as proof of income, identification, and rental history.
Join the Waiting List: Due to high demand, most areas maintain waiting lists. Keep your information updated to avoid missing notifications.

Tips for a successful Section 8 housing application in Idaho include providing accurate and complete information, submitting all required documents, and following up with your local housing authority to ensure that your application is processed in a timely manner. Keep in mind that there may be a waiting list for Section 8 housing in Idaho, so it's important to apply as soon as possible and to be patient throughout the application process.

The following table shows Housing Authorities in Idaho and includes their contact information.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Boise City Ada County Housing Authority	1276 River St., Boise, ID 83702 (208) 287-1070 Email	Visit Website
Idaho Falls Housing Authority	124 New Sweden Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 523-6413 Email	Visit Website
Lewiston Housing Authority	1113 11th Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 746-3671 Email	Visit Website
Nampa Housing Authority	211 19th Ave. S., Nampa, ID 83651 (208) 466-2601 Email	Visit Website
Pocatello Housing Authority	711 N. 6th Ave., Pocatello, ID 83201 (208) 233-6276 Email	Visit Website

Section 8 Housing Idaho Waiting List

Waiting lists for Section 8 in Idaho vary by region. Urban areas like Boise often experience longer waits, averaging one to two years, while rural counties may have shorter timelines. Priority placement is available for households experiencing homelessness or extreme financial hardship.

The Section 8 housing waiting list works on a first-come, first-served basis. When you submit your application, you will be placed on the waiting list in the order that your application is received. The length of the waiting list varies depending on the availability of Section 8 vouchers in your area.

Strategies for reducing the wait time for Section 8 housing in Idaho include:

Apply as soon as possible: The sooner you apply for Section 8 housing in Idaho, the better your chances of being approved and receiving housing assistance.
Keep your information up-to-date: If your contact information or household information changes while you are on the waiting list, be sure to update your local housing authority to ensure that you remain on the list.
Explore other housing options: While you are waiting for Section 8 housing, consider exploring other affordable housing options in your area, such as low-income apartments or subsidized housing.
Contact your local housing authority for updates: Check in with your local housing authority periodically to get updates on your status on the waiting list.

The following table shows current Section 8 waiting list status in Idaho.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Boise City Ada County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Idaho Falls Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Lewiston Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Nampa Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Pocatello Housing Authority
      Closed

Other Low Income Housing Options in Idaho

While Section 8 housing is a popular option for low-income families in Idaho, there may be alternatives to consider if you are unable to qualify or are on a waiting list. Here are some low-income housing options with no waiting list in Idaho:

Public Housing: Managed by local housing authorities, these properties offer subsidized rents for low-income tenants.
Tax Credit Apartments: Private developments offering discounted units through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
Nonprofit Housing Initiatives: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity provide affordable homeownership opportunities and rental support.
Emergency Rental Assistance: State programs offer short-term support for rent and utilities. Visit the Idaho Housing and Finance Association for details.

It's important to note that low-income housing with no waiting list may have income restrictions, so you will need to meet certain income criteria to be eligible. Additionally, these properties may have limited availability, so it's important to act quickly if you find a suitable option.

The Road to Housing Stability for Idahoans

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program opens doors for Idaho residents seeking stability in an increasingly competitive housing market. By understanding the program’s requirements and exploring alternative options, you can take steps toward finding secure and affordable housing for you and your family.

To start your journey, contact your local housing authority or explore theHUD Housing Choice Voucher page. With persistence and the right resources, achieving housing stability in Idaho is possible.