Oregon’s housing market remains challenging in 2025, with median rents exceeding $1,500 in cities like Portland and Eugene. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program offers critical rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, empowering them to secure safe and affordable housing in the private market.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the program in Oregon, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and alternative resources.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Oregon?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Oregon, individuals and families must meet certain criteria, including income limits, citizenship requirements, and criminal background checks.

First, income limits vary by household size and geographic location. Generally, households must earn no more than 50% of the area median income to qualify for Section 8 housing in Oregon. However, certain households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may qualify with higher incomes.

Second, applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, with documentation to prove their citizenship or immigration status.

Finally, applicants must pass a criminal background check to be eligible for Section 8 housing in Oregon. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify applicants from the program.

The benefits of Section 8 housing for eligible individuals and families are significant. Participants in the program pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent, with the government subsidizing the rest. This allows families to access safe and stable housing, without sacrificing other basic needs such as food and healthcare. Additionally, Section 8 participants may be eligible for additional services such as job training and financial counseling, helping them to achieve long-term stability and success.

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

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Oregon is determined by the payment standard. The payment standard is based on the fair market rent (FMR) for the area, which is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The payment standard is the maximum amount of rental assistance that Section 8 will provide to a participant, and it is based on the size of the participant's household and the number of bedrooms in the rental unit. The payment standard is also adjusted based on the local housing market conditions and other factors, such as the availability of rental units in the area.

Overall, the payment standard plays a critical role in determining the amount of rental assistance that Section 8 participants receive, and it is important to understand how it is calculated and adjusted in order to make informed decisions about housing options.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Oregon

In Oregon, income limits for Section 8 housing vary by household size and geographic location. Generally, households must earn no more than 50% of the area median income (AMI) to qualify for Section 8 housing. However, certain households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may qualify with higher incomes.

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Oregon are calculated annually by HUD, based on the AMI for the area. The AMI is the midpoint of all incomes in a given area, with half of households earning more and half earning less. HUD uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate the AMI for each county and metropolitan area in the country.

The following table shows the current income limits in Oregon. These are the income limits necessary to be eligible for Section 8 Housing in Oregon.

Income limits may change from year to year, based on changes in the AMI and other factors. Additionally, income limits may vary depending on the specific Section 8 program or funding source being used.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Oregon

Fair market rents (FMRs) play a crucial role in determining the amount of rental assistance provided by the Section 8 program in Oregon. FMRs are determined annually by HUD, based on the local housing market conditions for various types of housing.

FMRs are used to calculate the maximum amount of rental assistance that Section 8 participants can receive. Generally, participants are responsible for paying 30% of their income towards rent, with Section 8 subsidizing the rest up to the FMR. If the participant chooses a rental unit that is below the FMR, they may be able to keep the difference as a rent savings.

The following table shows the current Fair Market rents in Oregon for various unit sizes.

Keep in mind that FMRs may not necessarily reflect the actual cost of housing in a given area, and rental units may be priced higher or lower than the FMR. However, understanding FMRs can be helpful for identifying appropriate housing options and making informed decisions about rental affordability.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Oregon?

Applying for Section 8 housing in Oregon is a straightforward process, but it does require some time and effort. Here is a detailed explanation of how to apply for Section 8 housing in Oregon:

Find Your Local Housing Authority: Oregon’s Section 8 program is managed by various housing authorities. Major agencies include:

Portland Housing Bureau
Eugene Housing Authority
Salem Housing Authority

Complete the Application: Submit detailed information about your household size, income, and housing history.
Submit Required Documentation: Include proof of income, identification, and any additional requested materials.
Await Placement: Applications are reviewed, and eligible households are placed on waiting lists if vouchers are not immediately available.

Remember that the application process for Section 8 housing in Oregon can take several weeks or even months, as housing authorities may have long waiting lists and limited funding. Additionally, some housing authorities may only accept applications during specific times of the year or for specific types of households.

Oregon Housing Authorities

Section 8 housing in Oregon is administered by local housing authorities, which are responsible for managing the application and rental assistance process. Here is an overview of the housing authorities in Oregon that administer the Section 8 program:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority	405 SW Sixth St, Redmond, OR 97756 (541) 923-1018 Email	Visit Website
Eugene Housing Authority	100 W 10th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 682-3755 Email	Visit Website
Medford Housing Authority	330 W 6th St, Medford, OR 97501 (541) 779-5785 Email	Visit Website
Portland Housing Bureau	421 SW 6th Ave, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204 (503) 823-2375 Email	Visit Website
Springfield Housing Authority	934 G St, Springfield, OR 97477 (541) 726-3695 Email	Visit Website
Mid-Columbia Housing Authority	312 E 4th St, The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 296-5462 Email	Visit Website
Rogue Valley Manor	1200 Mira Mar Ave, Medford, OR 97504 (541) 857-7214 Email	Visit Website
Salem Housing Authority	360 Church St SE, Salem, OR 97301 (503) 588-6368 Email	Visit Website
Section 8 Centralized Waiting List	P.O. Box 45013, Olympia, WA 98504-5013 (877) 428-8844 Email	Visit Website
Yamhill Community Action Partnership	1317 NE Dustin Ct, McMinnville, OR 97128 (503) 472-0457 Email	Visit Website

The roles and responsibilities of housing authorities in the Section 8 application and rental assistance process are significant. Housing authorities are responsible for verifying the eligibility of applicants, determining the amount of rental assistance to be provided based on income and family size, and assisting participants in locating suitable rental units. They are also responsible for monitoring the condition of rental units and enforcing program rules and regulations.

Section 8 Housing Waiting List in Oregon

Due to high demand, many housing authorities in Oregon maintain waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers. The time applicants spend on these lists varies widely depending on location and funding availability. For example, wait times in Portland and Eugene can range from one to three years, while smaller areas like Medford may experience shorter lists when open.

To get on the waiting list, applicants must submit a Section 8 application to their local housing authority and meet the eligibility criteria. Once on the waiting list, households will be prioritized based on factors such as household size, income, and special needs.

The following table lists the current waiting list status for housing authorities in Oregon.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Eugene Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Medford Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Portland Housing Bureau
      Open
    
      Springfield Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Hillsboro Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Beaverton Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Washington County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Clackamas County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation
      Open

To increase your chances of receiving assistance, consider applying to multiple housing authorities. Keep your contact information up-to-date to avoid missing critical updates. Check your waiting list status regularly at the Affordable Housing Hub Waiting List Tracker.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Oregon?

The timeline for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Oregon can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the waiting list, availability of funding, and the specific policies and procedures of the local housing authority. Here is an overview of the typical timeline for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Oregon:

Application submission: The first step in getting approved for Section 8 housing in Oregon is submitting a complete and accurate application to your local housing authority. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
Eligibility determination: After reviewing your application, the housing authority will determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the program, including income limits and criminal background checks. This process can take several weeks or longer, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case.
Waiting list placement: If you are determined to be eligible for Section 8 housing, you will be placed on the waiting list for rental assistance. The length of the waiting list can vary widely, from several months to several years, depending on the housing authority and the number of applicants on the list.
Rental assistance start date: Once your name comes up on the waiting list, you will be notified by the housing authority and provided with rental assistance to help you pay for housing. The start date for rental assistance will depend on the availability of funding and the specific policies and procedures of the housing authority.

Understanding the typical timeline for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Oregon can help individuals and families manage their expectations and plan for their housing needs.

FAQs About Section 8 in Oregon

How long does it take to get approved for Section 8 in Oregon?

Approval timelines vary based on the local housing authority, the availability of funding, and the number of applicants. The process can take anywhere from several months to years.

Can I choose any rental unit with Section 8?

Yes, but the unit must pass a HUD inspection to ensure it meets housing quality standards and fall within FMR limits.

What happens if my income changes while on Section 8?

You must report changes in income to your housing authority. Adjustments to your rent contribution will be made accordingly.

Alternative Affordable Housing Options in Oregon

If Section 8 isn’t immediately available, consider these alternatives:

Public Housing: Managed by local housing authorities, these units offer affordable rents capped at 30% of income.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: These private units offer reduced rents through federal tax incentives.
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP): Provides short-term financial aid for renters facing eviction or utility shutoffs.
Nonprofits and Charities: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity Oregon offer affordable housing programs and services.

How Section 8 Supports Oregon Communities

As rental costs continue to rise, Section 8 remains a vital resource for low-income households across Oregon. Understanding the program’s eligibility requirements, navigating waiting lists, and exploring alternative housing options can help residents secure stable and affordable homes. For further assistance, visit the Affordable Housing Hub.