For low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across the Natural State, Section 8 housing vouchers in Arkansas provide critical rental assistance that helps make housing affordable every month. While Arkansas has some of the lowest costs of living in the country, wages are also among the lowest nationally — making rental assistance programs like Section 8 just as vital here as in higher-cost states.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Arkansas — including eligibility requirements, Arkansas-specific income limits, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Arkansas Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most common questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Arkansas?
Section 8 — officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Arkansas, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in cities and counties across the state, as well as through the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) for statewide oversight and certain programs.
The program works by subsidizing a portion of your monthly rent. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Arkansas PHA pays the remainder directly to your landlord — up to the local payment standard. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Arkansas where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Key Fact: Arkansas has a higher poverty rate than the national average, meaning demand for Section 8 housing vouchers in Arkansas is significant. Most Arkansas PHAs have waitlists that can stretch from months to several years. Applying as soon as a waitlist opens — and applying to multiple PHAs — is the most effective strategy.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Arkansas?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, you must meet all of the following requirements set by HUD and your local PHA:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Arkansas. These limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by county and household size. Arkansas has lower AMI figures than most states, which means income limits here are also lower — but so are typical rents and costs of living.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Arkansas areas:
| Arkansas Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock | ~$20,700 | ~$34,500 | ~$55,200 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | ~$23,500 | ~$39,200 | ~$62,700 |
| Fort Smith (AR-OK) | ~$18,950 | ~$31,600 | ~$50,550 |
| Jonesboro | ~$19,600 | ~$32,650 | ~$52,250 |
| Pine Bluff | ~$16,900 | ~$28,150 | ~$45,050 |
| Hot Springs | ~$18,400 | ~$30,700 | ~$49,100 |
| Texarkana (AR-TX) | ~$18,750 | ~$31,250 | ~$50,000 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Arkansas | ~$16,600 | ~$27,650 | ~$44,250 |
Note: These figures are approximate and updated annually by HUD. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or directly with your local Arkansas PHA before applying.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one member of your household must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen — such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Mixed-status households may qualify for prorated assistance based on the number of eligible members.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Your household size determines the size of voucher you are issued — one bedroom, two bedrooms, and so on.
4. Criminal Background
Federal law requires automatic denial for anyone subject to a lifetime state sex offender registration or convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing. Individual Arkansas PHAs may apply additional screening criteria for other criminal history, including violent felonies and drug-related offenses. Always check your local PHA’s specific screening policy before applying.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to a PHA — in Arkansas or any other state — must be resolved before you can be approved for assistance. This includes unpaid rent, damages to a prior assisted unit, or utility repayments.
6. Social Security Numbers
All household members must provide valid Social Security Numbers as a condition of eligibility. Limited exceptions may apply for certain elderly individuals.
Pro Tip: Income limits in Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers) are notably higher than the rest of the state, reflecting the region’s stronger economy and higher wages driven by Walmart, Tyson Foods, and other major employers. If you live or work in that corridor, check NWA-specific limits before assuming you are ineligible.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Arkansas?
The amount of your Section 8 rental subsidy in Arkansas depends on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents (FMR) for your area, and the actual rent of the unit you choose. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted income, and the PHA covers the difference up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Arkansas markets:
| Arkansas Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock | ~$800 | ~$950 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,450 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | ~$950 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,850 |
| Fort Smith | ~$700 | ~$850 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,300 |
| Jonesboro | ~$750 | ~$900 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,400 |
| Pine Bluff | ~$650 | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,200 |
| Hot Springs | ~$720 | ~$870 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 |
| Texarkana (AR side) | ~$700 | ~$850 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,300 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Arkansas | ~$600 | ~$750 | ~$950 | ~$1,150 |
Note: Payment standards set by each Arkansas PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Contact your local PHA for their exact current payment standards.
Arkansas Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Section 8 housing vouchers in Arkansas are administered by a network of local PHAs across the state. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Central Arkansas PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock Housing Authority | Little Rock | (501) 340-4800 | City of Little Rock |
| North Little Rock Housing Authority | North Little Rock | (501) 758-1919 | City of North Little Rock |
| Pulaski County Housing Authority | Little Rock | (501) 376-0266 | Pulaski County (unincorporated areas) |
| Conway Housing Authority | Conway | (501) 327-7409 | Faulkner County |
| Benton Housing Authority | Benton | (501) 315-4090 | Saline County |
| Cabot Housing Authority | Cabot | (501) 843-3549 | Lonoke County |
| Pine Bluff Housing Authority | Pine Bluff | (870) 534-2521 | Jefferson County |
Northwest Arkansas PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville Housing Authority | Fayetteville | (479) 521-3850 | Washington County (Fayetteville area) |
| Springdale Housing Authority | Springdale | (479) 756-1760 | Washington County (Springdale area) |
| Rogers Housing Authority | Rogers | (479) 636-2871 | Benton County (Rogers area) |
| Bentonville Housing Authority | Bentonville | (479) 271-3115 | Benton County (Bentonville area) |
| Fort Smith Housing Authority | Fort Smith | (479) 785-2323 | Sebastian County |
| Van Buren Housing Authority | Van Buren | (479) 474-2131 | Crawford County |
Northeast Arkansas PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro Housing Authority | Jonesboro | (870) 932-6077 | Craighead County |
| Blytheville Housing Authority | Blytheville | (870) 763-5861 | Mississippi County |
| Paragould Housing Authority | Paragould | (870) 239-3981 | Greene County |
| West Memphis Housing Authority | West Memphis | (870) 735-4881 | Crittenden County |
| Forrest City Housing Authority | Forrest City | (870) 633-0700 | St. Francis County |
South & Southwest Arkansas PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs Housing Authority | Hot Springs | (501) 624-7229 | Garland County |
| El Dorado Housing Authority | El Dorado | (870) 862-3196 | Union County |
| Texarkana Arkansas Housing Authority | Texarkana | (870) 774-5671 | Miller County |
| Camden Housing Authority | Camden | (870) 836-5733 | Ouachita County |
| Hope Housing Authority | Hope | (870) 777-6741 | Hempstead County |
| Magnolia Housing Authority | Magnolia | (870) 234-2710 | Columbia County |
State-Level Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) | (501) 682-5900 | adfa.arkansas.gov | Statewide housing programs and oversight |
Tip: If your city or county is not listed above, contact the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) at (501) 682-5900 or visit adfa.arkansas.gov to identify the housing program serving your area. You can also use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov and filter by Arkansas to find the nearest PHA.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Arkansas
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Arkansas:
Step 1: Identify Your Local Arkansas PHA
Begin by finding the PHA that serves your city or county using the directory above, or visit HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts and filter by Arkansas. In cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville, there may be separate PHAs for the city and surrounding county — make sure you contact the right one for your specific address.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
Most Arkansas PHAs keep their waitlists closed for significant periods of time. To find currently open waitlists:
- Visit each PHA’s website and look for waitlist status announcements
- Call your local PHA directly to ask about current waitlist status and expected opening dates
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Arkansas waitlist openings
- Follow local housing non-profits and advocacy organizations on social media for announcements
- Check the Arkansas Development Finance Authority website at adfa.arkansas.gov for statewide program updates
Step 3: Submit Your Pre-Application
When a waitlist opens, apply as quickly as possible. Some Arkansas PHAs accept applications online, while others require paper applications submitted in person or by mail. Confirm your PHA’s preferred method before the waitlist opens so you are ready to act immediately. The pre-application typically requires:
- Full names and dates of birth for all household members
- Current address and contact information
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Total estimated annual household income
- Household size and composition
- Any special circumstances such as disability, homeless status, veteran status, or domestic violence
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
After submitting, you are placed on the waitlist. Arkansas PHA waitlists typically run from 1 to 4 years depending on location and available funding. Smaller cities and rural PHAs generally have shorter waits. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with the PHA immediately whenever you move or change your phone number
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices — failing to respond results in removal from the list
- Apply to multiple Arkansas PHAs at the same time to increase your chances
- Ask your PHA about priority preferences that may apply to your situation, including:
- Homeless individuals and families currently in a shelter or on the street
- Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking
- Veterans and active-duty service members
- Persons with disabilities requiring accessible housing
- Families displaced by fire, flood, or natural disaster
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached on the waitlist, you will be invited to complete a full application. Prepare these documents in advance to avoid delays:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs (last 30 days), Social Security or disability award letters, unemployment statements, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact information for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, ARKids First (Arkansas Medicaid), TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance), or other benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A PHA housing specialist will review your application, verify your documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Be honest and thorough. If there are any issues in your background — such as a prior eviction, criminal history, or PHA debt — bring supporting documentation that explains the circumstances. Many Arkansas PHAs will consider context and evidence of rehabilitation.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If approved, you will receive your Arkansas Section 8 housing voucher and a briefing on program rules, your rights, and how to find qualifying housing. You will typically have 60 to 120 days to find an eligible rental unit. The unit must:
- Pass a HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection
- Have a rent that falls within your PHA’s payment standard
- Have a landlord willing to participate in the Section 8 program
If you cannot find housing within the deadline, request an extension from your PHA before it expires. Most Arkansas PHAs will grant extensions for documented hardship or a tight local rental market.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Arkansas
Once you have your voucher in hand, finding a participating landlord in Arkansas is your next task. Here are the best resources:
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search for Section 8-friendly rentals by Arkansas city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database of landlords who actively advertise Section 8 acceptance, including many Arkansas listings
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Arkansas and “accepts Section 8” for targeted results
- Your local PHA: ask your housing specialist for their internal list of landlords who currently participate in the Section 8 program in your area
- Craigslist Arkansas / Facebook Marketplace: search for listings mentioning “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers accepted”
- Zillow / Apartments.com: use search filters or keywords to find voucher-friendly listings in your target city
- Local non-profits: organizations like Arkansas Community Organizations (ACO) and local community action agencies often maintain landlord referral lists
Arkansas Note: Arkansas does not have a statewide source-of-income discrimination protection law, meaning landlords in Arkansas are legally permitted to decline Section 8 vouchers. However, Arkansas’s rental market is generally less competitive than major metros in other states, which means more landlords — especially in smaller cities and rural areas — are willing to work with the Section 8 program. Ask your PHA housing specialist for landlord referrals specific to your area.
Arkansas Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Arkansas?
Waitlist times in Arkansas vary significantly by location. In Little Rock, waits typically run from 2 to 4 years. In Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas corridor, waits can be similar or longer due to rapid population growth and rising rents. In smaller cities like Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, and Fort Smith, waits are often shorter — sometimes 12 to 24 months. Applying to multiple Arkansas PHAs simultaneously is the single most effective strategy for reducing your personal wait time.
Which Arkansas PHAs currently have open waitlists?
Waitlist availability changes frequently and without much advance notice. The best approach is to call each Arkansas PHA directly or check their websites regularly. You can also monitor affordablehousingonline.com, which tracks Section 8 waitlist openings nationwide, including Arkansas. Signing up for notifications from individual PHAs will help you act fast when a list opens.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Arkansas?
Income limits vary by county and household size. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $27,650 in rural Arkansas to $39,200 in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area. Little Rock falls at approximately $34,500. Check current figures for your specific county at huduser.gov, as limits are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Arkansas?
The voucher covers the difference between your rent contribution (30% of adjusted monthly income) and the actual rent — up to the local payment standard. In Little Rock, payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $900–$1,050 per month. In Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas, they run roughly $1,100–$1,300 due to higher local rents. In rural areas, payment standards are lower, typically $700–$850 for a two-bedroom.
Can I use my Arkansas Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Section 8-assisted unit in Arkansas for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state using the program’s portability feature. Contact your Arkansas PHA to initiate the process. Note that your subsidy amount will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards, which may be higher or lower than Arkansas levels.
Can I apply for Section 8 online in Arkansas?
It depends on the individual PHA. Larger Arkansas PHAs like Little Rock and Fayetteville typically offer online pre-applications when their waitlists are open. Smaller and rural PHAs may require paper applications submitted in person or by mail. Check your specific PHA’s website or call ahead to confirm the application process and preferred method.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Arkansas?
Yes. The HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program provides Section 8 vouchers specifically for homeless veterans, combined with VA case management services. In Arkansas, HUD-VASH is administered in partnership with the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock at (501) 257-1000 and the Fayetteville VA Medical Center at (479) 443-4301. Eligible veterans should contact their nearest VA facility to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other programs help with housing in Arkansas if Section 8 is not available?
Arkansas has several additional housing assistance programs including the Arkansas Rental Assistance Program administered by ADFA, emergency rental assistance through local community action agencies, HUD Section 202 housing for seniors, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments with affordable rent tiers. Dialing 211 connects you with local emergency housing assistance anywhere in Arkansas.
Is Section 8 the same as public housing in Arkansas?
No. Section 8 housing vouchers allow you to rent privately owned housing of your choice — anywhere a participating landlord is willing to lease to you. Public housing in Arkansas refers to government-owned housing complexes managed directly by a local PHA. Section 8 gives you far more flexibility and neighborhood choice than public housing assignments.
Additional Housing Resources in Arkansas
Beyond Section 8 housing vouchers, Arkansas residents have access to several other housing assistance programs and resources:
- Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA): adfa.arkansas.gov — oversees statewide affordable housing programs including rental assistance, homeownership, and the Arkansas Rental Assistance Program; call (501) 682-5900
- 2-1-1 Arkansas: Dial 211 or visit 211.arkansas.gov — connects you with emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, available 24/7
- Arkansas Community Organizations (ACO): arco.org — statewide network of community action agencies providing emergency rental assistance, utility help, and housing navigation services
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free housing counseling available statewide — find a HUD-approved counselor in Arkansas at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- Arkansas Legal Services Partnership: arlegalservices.org — free legal assistance for low-income Arkansans facing housing issues including eviction and lease disputes; call (800) 967-9224
- Dorcas House / Our House (Little Rock): ourhouselr.org — provides transitional housing, homeless services, and rapid rehousing in the Little Rock area; call (501) 374-7383
- 7Hills Homeless Center (Fayetteville): 7hillsnwa.org — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and housing navigation services in Northwest Arkansas; call (479) 695-9297
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Central Arkansas VA at (501) 257-1000 or Fayetteville VA at (479) 443-4301 for veteran-specific Section 8 vouchers
- USDA Rural Development Arkansas: rd.usda.gov — rental assistance and affordable homeownership programs for rural Arkansas communities
- Arkansas Fair Housing Commission: If you experience housing discrimination, contact the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission at (501) 682-2292
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Arkansas
Navigating the Section 8 housing voucher system in Arkansas requires patience — waitlists are long, openings are unpredictable, and competition is real. But for those who stay persistent, a Housing Choice Voucher can dramatically reduce the burden of housing costs and provide the stability needed to build a better future for you and your family.
Here are the most important steps you can take right now:
- Identify every open waitlist in Arkansas and apply immediately — do not delay
- Apply to multiple Arkansas PHAs simultaneously — there is no rule limiting you to one application
- Keep all your contact information current with every PHA you have applied to
- Organize your documents now so you are ready the moment you are called
- Ask about priority preferences — homelessness, disability, veteran status, and domestic violence survivor status can all move you up the list faster
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, utilities, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist status and application information, contact your local Arkansas PHA directly or visit the Arkansas Development Finance Authority at adfa.arkansas.gov.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Always verify current information with your local Arkansas Public Housing Authority or the Arkansas Development Finance Authority before applying.