What Income-Based Housing Programs Exist in Idaho
Idaho has three main paths to income-based housing: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers administered by local housing authorities, public housing owned and operated by those same authorities, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties built or preserved with federal tax incentives. Section 8 is the largest program by far — it lets you rent from a private landlord while the program pays a portion of your rent. Public housing is owned directly by the state or local authority. LIHTC properties are private apartments where the owner has agreed to rent at below-market rates in exchange for tax benefits.
Idaho's housing authorities operate independently by county or region. Boise, Ada County, Canyon County, and Spokane County each run their own Section 8 programs with separate waiting lists and income limits. Smaller counties may be served by a regional authority or may have no active program at all. The program you can reach depends entirely on where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho's Section 8 program is run by local housing authorities, not the state, so you explore to the authority in your county — not one statewide office.
- Income limits for Section 8 in Idaho range from about $28,000 to $48,000 per year for a family of four, depending on which county you live in.
- Most Idaho housing authorities have closed waiting lists, meaning you cannot explore right now even if you meet the income requirement — you must wait for them to reopen.
- Public housing and LIHTC apartments are separate programs with their own income rules and waiting lists, and some may be open when Section 8 is not.
- You will need proof of income, residency, citizenship or legal immigration status, and a Social Security number for any program.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Idaho: How It Works
When you receive a Section 8 voucher, you find your own apartment from a private landlord who agrees to accept the program. The housing authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent — usually 70 to 80 percent — and you pay the rest, typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. You keep the voucher as long as your income stays below the program limit and you follow the lease.
The voucher is portable within Idaho, meaning if you move to a different county, you can usually transfer it to that county's housing authority. Some authorities make this easier than others. You cannot take a voucher out of state without permission from your current authority, and permission is rare.
The catch: most Idaho housing authorities are not taking new applications. Boise's authority, Ada County Housing Authority, and others have closed waiting lists because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When a list closes, you cannot explore until it reopens — sometimes months or years later. The authority will post reopening dates on their website and may maintain a "future applicant" list you can join to receive notice when applications resume.
Income Limits and Household Composition Rules
Section 8 income limits in Idaho are set at 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for your county. This means the limit varies by location. For a family of four in Ada County (Boise area), the 2024 limit is approximately $48,000 per year. In smaller counties, the limit may be $28,000 to $35,000. Income includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and alimony — but not food stamps or most other means-tested benefits.
Your household composition matters. A single person, a couple, a family with children, and a family with an elderly or disabled member may all have different income limits and different priority on waiting lists. Some authorities give preference to families with children or to people experiencing homelessness. Ask your local authority what preferences they use.
If your income rises above the limit after you receive a voucher, you do not lose it when ready. Most programs allow you to stay for a grace period (often one year) while your income is recertified. After that, if income remains above the limit, the voucher ends. This is called "income recertification," and it happens every year.
Public Housing in Idaho
Public housing is owned and operated by local housing authorities. You rent an apartment or house directly from the authority, not from a private landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your gross income, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $100 per month). Public housing is not subsidized the same way Section 8 is — the authority owns the building and maintains it.
Income limits for public housing are the same as Section 8 in most cases, but waiting lists are separate. Some authorities have public housing available when Section 8 is full. Public housing is also subject to income recertification — if your income rises above the limit, you may eventually be asked to leave, though authorities usually give notice and a grace period.
The number of public housing units in Idaho is small compared to Section 8. Boise, Pocatello, and a few other cities have public housing stock, but many counties have none. Ask your local housing authority whether public housing is available in your area.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties
LIHTC properties are private apartments where the owner receives federal tax credits in exchange for renting to low-income tenants at below-market rates. You explore directly to the property owner or management company, not to a government agency. Income limits are usually 50 to 60 percent of AMI, similar to Section 8, but each property sets its own rules.
LIHTC properties are scattered throughout Idaho. You can search for them through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) website or by calling local nonprofits that develop affordable housing. Because each property has its own waiting list and process process, there is no single statewide list. Some properties may have openings when Section 8 is closed.
Rent in LIHTC properties is fixed by the program and does not change with your income the way Section 8 rent does. This can be an advantage if your income is very low — you pay the set rent, not 30 percent of income. It can be a disadvantage if your income rises, because you may be asked to leave even though your rent would still be affordable.
Documentation You Will Need
All Idaho housing programs require the same core documents. Bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), proof of citizenship or legal immigration status (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents), and a Social Security number. If you receive benefits, bring a benefits letter. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records.
You will also need to pass a background check and credit check. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but violent felonies and drug convictions may. Eviction history is reviewed but does not always disqualify. Each authority has its own standards. Ask before you explore what their policy is on criminal history and evictions.
If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, most authorities will still accept your process. Bring mail addressed to you at a shelter, a friend's address, or a social service agency's address as proof of residency.
How to Find Your Local Housing Authority and Check Waiting List Status
Idaho's housing authorities are organized by county or region. The largest are Ada County Housing Authority (serving Boise and surrounding areas), Canyon County Housing Authority (Caldwell area), and Spokane County Housing Authority (serves some eastern Idaho residents). Smaller counties may have their own authority or may be served by a regional program.
To find your authority, search "[your county name] housing authority" online or call your city or county government office and ask for the housing authority phone number. Once you reach them, ask three things: whether Section 8 applications are open, whether public housing is available, and when the waiting list will reopen if it is currently closed. Many authorities post this information on their website, but calling is faster.
If your county has no housing authority, contact the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) at 208-331-8000. They can tell you which authority serves your area or whether LIHTC properties are available near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my county's waiting list is closed?
You have two options: wait for it to reopen and ask to be notified when applications resume, or look for LIHTC properties in your area. Some LIHTC properties have openings year-round. You can also ask whether a neighboring county's authority serves your area — some regional authorities accept applications from multiple counties.
Does having a criminal record disqualify me from Section 8 in Idaho?
Not automatically. Idaho housing authorities review criminal history case by case. Violent felonies and drug convictions are more likely to disqualify you, but minor offenses may not. Call your local authority and ask about their specific policy before you explore.
Can I use my Section 8 voucher if I move to another state?
No, not without permission. Your voucher is tied to the Idaho housing authority that issued it. If you want to move out of state, you must request a "portability" transfer, and most authorities deny these requests. If you move to another state without permission, your voucher ends.
What happens if my income goes above the limit after I get a voucher?
You do not lose your voucher when ready. Most Idaho authorities allow a one-year grace period while your income is recertified. After that, if income remains above the limit, the voucher ends. The authority will give you written notice and time to find other housing.
Are there other housing programs in Idaho besides Section 8 and public housing?
Yes. LIHTC properties are common, and some nonprofits offer emergency rental information or down payment help for homebuyers. The Idaho Housing and Finance Association and local 211 services can point you toward programs in your area.