Where to find low-income housing in St. Louis

Low-income housing in St. Louis is managed through a mix of public housing authorities, nonprofit developers, and voucher programs. The St. Louis Housing Authority runs the largest public housing portfolio in the city and also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8). The city also has dozens of nonprofit organizations that develop and manage affordable apartments, many in neighborhoods like the Dutchtown, Carondelet, and north city areas.

Finding available units means checking multiple sources because no single database lists everything. The Housing Authority maintains its own waitlists for public housing and vouchers. Nonprofits like Justine Petersen Housing and Community Development, Beyond Housing, and Habitat for Humanity St. Louis manage their own properties and post openings on their websites. The city's Department of Housing and Community Development also maintains a list of affordable housing providers on its website.

Waitlists for public housing and vouchers in St. Louis are typically closed, meaning you cannot add your name when demand is high. The Housing Authority opens them periodically—sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months—then closes them again. Checking their website monthly or calling 314-622-4900 is the only way to know when an opening period begins.

Key Takeaways

  • The St. Louis Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers, but both waitlists are usually closed and reopen unpredictably.
  • Nonprofit developers like Justine Petersen and Beyond Housing manage affordable apartments throughout the city and maintain their own waitlists.
  • Rent in public housing and voucher programs is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, not a fixed dollar amount.
  • You will need proof of income, a Social Security number for each household member, and a background check to be considered for any program.
  • The city's Department of Housing and Community Development website lists providers and their current openings, though you must contact each one directly.

How rent is calculated in St. Louis low-income programs

Most low-income housing in St. Louis uses income-based rent, meaning what you pay depends on what you earn, not the market rate of the apartment. In public housing and Section 8 voucher programs, your rent is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income. If your household earns $1,500 a month, you pay $450 in rent; if you earn $2,000, you pay $600.

Nonprofit-managed affordable housing sometimes uses the same 30 percent formula, but some buildings have fixed rents that are straightforward lower than market rate—for example, $600 for a one-bedroom regardless of tenant income. When you contact a property, ask whether rent is income-based or fixed, because the difference affects whether the unit makes sense for your budget.

Your income is recertified annually, so if your earnings change, your rent changes too. This can work in your favor if you lose income, but it also means your rent rises if you get a raise or additional household members start working. Many tenants find this predictability helpful for budgeting, even though it removes the incentive to earn more without losing housing stability.

Public housing versus nonprofit affordable housing

Public housing is owned and operated by the St. Louis Housing Authority. Units are typically older, scattered throughout the city, and managed by a government agency. The rent formula is standardized: 30 percent of income. Waitlists are long and usually closed. The advantage is that once you are housed, your rent stays affordable as long as your income stays below the limit.

Nonprofit affordable housing is developed and managed by private organizations that receive tax credits, grants, or low-interest loans to keep rents down. These buildings are often newer, better maintained, and located in specific neighborhoods where nonprofits have focused their work. Waitlists vary—some are open year-round, others are closed. Rent formulas vary too: some use 30 percent of income, others charge a fixed affordable rate.

Nonprofit housing sometimes has additional requirements or preferences—for example, prioritizing seniors, people with disabilities, or formerly homeless households. Check each organization's website or call to understand their specific rules. The tradeoff is that nonprofit waitlists may be shorter and move faster than the Housing Authority's, but the buildings may not be in the neighborhood you prefer.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in St. Louis

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, gives may be able to access households a voucher that covers part of the rent for an apartment of their choice on the private market. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Housing Authority pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, which is typically 30 percent of your income.

The St. Louis Housing Authority administers the voucher program for the city. The waitlist is usually closed. When it opens, the process is competitive—the Authority receives thousands of applications and selects by lottery or by date received, depending on how they structure the opening. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign the lease.

Finding a landlord who accepts vouchers can be difficult. Some refuse because the paperwork is complex or because they prefer higher-paying tenants. The Housing Authority maintains a list of landlords who have participated before, and some nonprofits help voucher holders search. The advantage of a voucher is flexibility—you are not limited to a specific building or neighborhood—but the disadvantage is that landlord cooperation is not may provide.

Income limits and who qualifies

Income limits for low-income housing in St. Louis are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and vary by family size. For 2024, the limit for a single person is roughly $32,000 to $35,000 annually, depending on the specific program; for a family of four, it is roughly $51,000 to $56,000. These numbers change yearly and differ slightly between public housing, vouchers, and nonprofit programs.

Your income is calculated as gross household income before taxes. It includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular sources. One-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements do not count. If you are self-employed, the Housing Authority will average your income over the past two years.

Beyond income, you must pass a background check and provide proof of identity and residency. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions—particularly drug-related felonies or crimes of violence—may. Each program has its own rules. If you have concerns about your background, ask the program directly before spending time on an process.

how the process works and what documents you need

Applications differ by program, so the first step is deciding which one to pursue. If you want to explore for public housing or a Section 8 voucher, contact the St. Louis Housing Authority at 314-622-4900 or visit their office at 1901 Convention Plaza. Ask whether their waitlist is currently open. If it is, they will give you an process form and a list of required documents.

Standard documents include a government-issued photo ID, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), recent pay stubs or proof of income, and a signed lease if you already have housing. You will also need to authorize a background check. Some programs require proof of residency in St. Louis, which can be a utility bill or lease in your name.

For nonprofit housing, visit each organization's website or call to ask about current openings and their process process. Some accept applications online, others require you to visit in person. Processing times vary from two weeks to several months depending on the program and how many applications they receive. Once you are approved, you may be placed on a waiting list for an available unit rather than offered housing when ready.

Resources and next steps in St. Louis

The St. Louis Housing Authority (314-622-4900) is your starting point for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Their website lists current waitlist status and process requirements. If their waitlist is closed, ask when it typically reopens—some programs have seasonal patterns.

Justine Petersen Housing and Community Development (314-531-8000) develops affordable housing throughout the city and manages a large portfolio. Beyond Housing (314-531-8000) focuses on north city neighborhoods. Habitat for Humanity St. Louis (314-531-8000) builds and rehabilitates homes for low-income homebuyers. Each has its own process process and current openings.

The city's Department of Housing and Community Development maintains a directory of affordable housing providers on its website. You can also call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for low-income housing resources in your area. They can tell you which programs are currently accepting applications and help you understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the Housing Authority waitlist is closed?

Call or visit their website monthly to check status. Waitlists reopen periodically, sometimes with little notice. In the meantime, contact nonprofit developers directly—many have shorter waitlists or accept applications year-round. You can also explore Section 8 vouchers through other housing authorities if you are willing to move to a different city or county.

Can I explore for both public housing and a Section 8 voucher at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waitlists and applications. Being on both lists increases your chances of being housed, though you must accept one or the other when offered. If you receive a voucher first, you can decline public housing when it becomes available, or vice versa.

How long does it take to get housed after I am approved?

For public housing, it depends on how many units are available and where you are on the waitlist—anywhere from a few months to several years. For Section 8 vouchers, once you receive the voucher, you have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment. For nonprofit housing, it varies by organization and availability, typically a few weeks to a few months.

What happens if my income increases after I move into low-income housing?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. You will not be evicted, but your payment will rise to reflect your new income (typically 30 percent of the new amount). Some programs have limits on how high your income can go before you must leave, but this varies by program.

Do I need to be a St. Louis resident to explore?

Most programs require you to live or work in St. Louis or have a connection to the city. The Housing Authority can tell you their specific residency rules. Nonprofit programs may have different requirements—some serve specific neighborhoods, others serve the entire city or region.