If you've ever applied for Section 8, you already know the wait can feel endless. In big cities like Los Angeles or New York, families can wait more than 10 years for a housing voucher. But that's not the case everywhere. According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report, wait times in some lower-demand areas can be as short as three months.
The difference comes down to demand. Section 8, also called the Housing Choice Voucher program, is run by local housing authorities across the country, not by one national office. Each housing authority manages its own list and sets its own timeline. States with smaller populations and fewer applicants per voucher tend to move people through much faster.
The good news is that you're not limited to your home state when it comes to applying. Federal rules allow you to apply for Section 8 in any housing authority in the country, whether or not you currently live there. That opens the door to states where the wait is measured in months instead of years.
Here are five states where Section 8 waiting lists have stayed shorter than the national average, along with what makes them different.
1. Wyoming
Wyoming is the least populated state in the country, and that works in favor of anyone applying for housing help. Fewer applicants means less competition for each voucher, and many of the state's smaller housing authorities process new applicants within a year or two instead of a decade.
Because Wyoming doesn't have large cities pulling in thousands of applicants, waiting lists tend to open more often and close less quickly. If you're flexible about where you live, applying with a rural Wyoming housing authority can be one of the fastest paths to a voucher.
Wyoming's rental market also stays relatively affordable compared to national averages, which means each voucher dollar stretches further. That lets local housing authorities serve more households without needing an enormous budget increase, which in turn keeps the list moving.
2. South Dakota
South Dakota follows a similar pattern. Outside of Sioux Falls, most of the state is made up of small towns and rural counties where demand for rental assistance is lower. That means shorter lines and less waiting overall.
Housing authorities in South Dakota also tend to reopen their lists on a more predictable schedule than authorities in crowded coastal cities. If a list closes because it's full, it's likely to reopen again within a year or two rather than staying closed indefinitely.
The state also has a strong network of smaller regional housing authorities, which means applicants have more than one option if the list in their first-choice county is closed. Spreading your applications across a few counties can shorten your overall wait even further.
3. North Dakota
North Dakota has one of the smaller populations in the country, and its housing authorities generally see less pressure on their voucher programs. Wait times in many parts of the state have stayed under a year in recent reports, especially outside of Fargo and Bismarck.
The state's economy, driven partly by energy and agriculture, has also kept rental markets relatively steady, which helps housing authorities plan their budgets and voucher numbers without the sudden spikes in demand that bigger cities deal with.
North Dakota housing authorities also tend to serve smaller numbers of households overall, so when a family leaves the program or moves out of the area, the next name on the list moves up faster. In a big city with tens of thousands of applicants, one opening barely makes a dent. In a small North Dakota county, it can mean your name comes up within months.
4. Nebraska
Nebraska offers a good mix of small-town affordability and a shorter path to assistance. While Omaha and Lincoln can have longer waits because of higher demand, smaller counties throughout the state often have open lists with much shorter timelines.
This is a good example of why it helps to apply broadly. Nebraska's statewide network of housing authorities means you're not limited to just one city's list. Checking a few different counties can significantly cut down your wait.
Nebraska also has a mix of urban and rural voucher programs, so families who need to stay close to a city for work or school still have some faster-moving options nearby, rather than needing to relocate hours away to find a shorter wait.
5. Montana
Montana runs a statewide Section 8 program through its Department of Commerce, which reopened its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list in 2025 after a period of high demand. Applicants can choose from ten regional lists, and the state has said wait times vary by region, with some moving much faster than others.
Montana also runs a separate Moderate Rehabilitation program with typically shorter wait times than the standard voucher program, giving applicants another option if they need housing sooner.
State officials have pointed out that nearly 30,000 renter households in Montana are severely cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than half their income on rent. That pressure is part of why the state chose to reopen its list statewide rather than county by county, giving more households a chance to apply at once instead of waiting for individual local openings.
Why Some States Move Faster Than Others
A few things decide how long a Section 8 wait will be:
- Population size. Fewer applicants per voucher means shorter lines.
- Local housing costs. Areas with lower rent need fewer vouchers to house the same number of families, which can mean lists move faster.
- How often a housing authority opens its list. Some open once every few years for a short window. Others stay open longer or reopen more often.
- Preference categories. Many housing authorities move certain groups up the list faster, including people experiencing homelessness, veterans, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
None of this means a shorter-wait state is automatically the right choice for you. Moving to a new state is a big decision, and it only makes sense if you have support, a job, or family there. But if you're able to be flexible, applying in a lower-demand state can cut years off your wait.
Tips for Applying in a Low-Wait State
Apply to more than one housing authority. There's no rule against being on multiple Section 8 waiting lists at the same time, even in different states. You can find every local housing authority using HUD's official directory, which lists contact information for more than 3,000 agencies nationwide.
Watch for open list announcements. Waiting lists open and close without much warning, and they can close again quickly once they've reached capacity. Check your target housing authority's website regularly, or sign up for email alerts if they offer them.
Understand the 12-month rule. Many housing authorities require you to live in their area for the first 12 months after receiving a voucher before you can move it elsewhere. Read the fine print for any list you join.
Have your paperwork ready. Most applications ask for the same basic documents: proof of income, Social Security numbers for everyone in the household, and proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status. Having these ready ahead of time means you won't lose your place in line over a missing form.
Check your eligibility first. Section 8 income limits are based on the median income in your specific area, so a household that doesn't qualify in one place might qualify somewhere else. You can find current limits and general program details on USA.gov's Section 8 housing page.
Ask about preference categories. Before you apply, ask the housing authority if they give priority to any specific group, such as veterans, people with disabilities, seniors, or families fleeing domestic violence. If you qualify for a preference, your wait could be much shorter than the general estimate.
Keep your contact information updated. Housing authorities can only reach you at the address, phone number, or email they have on file. If you move or change your number while you're on a waiting list, update it right away. Missing a letter or a call can mean losing your spot entirely.
The Bottom Line
Section 8 wait times vary enormously depending on where you apply. While big cities can mean waiting a decade or longer, states like Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana have generally kept their waits shorter thanks to lower demand and smaller populations. Applying to more than one list, staying on top of open enrollment windows, and keeping your paperwork ready are the best ways to make the most of a shorter wait.
Looking for open Section 8 waiting lists near you or in a lower-wait state? Check out our partner site, Section8Search.org, to search current openings and get started on your application.
