Kansas offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to most of the country, but affordable housing remains out of reach for many low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across the Sunflower State. From the Kansas City metro and Wichita to Topeka, Lawrence, and the rural plains, Section 8 housing vouchers in Kansas provide critical monthly rent relief that helps eligible households maintain stable, safe housing.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Kansas — including who qualifies, Kansas-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Kansas Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Kansas?
Section 8 — officially called 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 Kansas, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in cities and counties across the state, as well as through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), which provides statewide oversight, affordable housing financing, and administers rental assistance programs for areas not fully served by a local PHA.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Kansas PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Kansas where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Kansas Context: Kansas’s housing market is among the most affordable in the nation, but that affordability gap narrows significantly in the Kansas City metro (Johnson and Wyandotte counties), Lawrence (home to the University of Kansas), and parts of Wichita that have seen recent growth. The Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority (KCKHA) and the Wichita Housing Authority administer the largest HCV programs in the state. For much of rural Kansas, KHRC is the primary statewide resource.
Kansas Source-of-Income Law: What Voucher Holders Need to Know
Kansas does not have a statewide source-of-income (SOI) protection law. Kansas landlords are legally permitted to refuse Section 8 vouchers statewide, and some do — particularly in competitive markets like Johnson County and Lawrence.
However, Lawrence, Kansas has enacted a local fair housing ordinance that includes source-of-income protections — landlords in Lawrence cannot refuse to rent solely because a prospective tenant holds a housing voucher. Report violations to the Lawrence Human Relations Division at (785) 832-3060.
Practical Advice: Outside Lawrence, Kansas voucher holders should work closely with their PHA housing specialist for internal landlord referrals, use GoSection8.com and KHRC’s resources, and be prepared to search actively. Many Kansas landlords — especially in Wichita, Topeka, smaller cities, and rural communities — do participate in Section 8.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Kansas?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Kansas, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Kansas. These are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by county — Johnson County in the Kansas City metro has the state’s highest AMI, while rural western and southeastern Kansas counties run considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Kansas areas:
| Kansas Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County (Overland Park / Olathe) | ~$35,100 | ~$58,500 | ~$93,600 |
| Wyandotte County (Kansas City, KS) | ~$28,650 | ~$47,750 | ~$76,400 |
| Douglas County (Lawrence) | ~$27,800 | ~$46,300 | ~$74,100 |
| Sedgwick County (Wichita) | ~$24,450 | ~$40,750 | ~$65,200 |
| Shawnee County (Topeka) | ~$23,200 | ~$38,650 | ~$61,850 |
| Riley County (Manhattan / Fort Riley) | ~$25,500 | ~$42,500 | ~$68,000 |
| Leavenworth County (Leavenworth / Fort Leavenworth) | ~$29,400 | ~$49,000 | ~$78,400 |
| Saline County (Salina) | ~$21,950 | ~$36,600 | ~$58,550 |
| Crawford County (Pittsburg) | ~$19,850 | ~$33,100 | ~$52,950 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Kansas | ~$18,750 | ~$31,250 | ~$50,000 |
Note: Johnson County has among the highest income limits in Kansas due to its position in the Kansas City metro. Leavenworth County’s limits also reflect its proximity to Fort Leavenworth and the broader KC metro. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Kansas PHA or KHRC.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen — such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. Individual Kansas PHAs set their own additional screening criteria. Contact your specific PHA for their criminal history policy before applying if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Kansas or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Leavenworth County and Riley County have notably higher income limits than most of Kansas — reflecting their proximity to major military installations (Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley). If you are a military family or veteran living near these bases, check the current income limits for your specific county before assuming you don’t qualify.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Kansas?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Kansas is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your area, and your PHA’s payment standard. You pay 30% of adjusted income; the PHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Kansas markets:
| Kansas Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County (Overland Park / Olathe) | ~$1,150 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,850 | ~$2,250 |
| Wyandotte County (Kansas City, KS) | ~$950 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,850 |
| Douglas County (Lawrence) | ~$950 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,850 |
| Sedgwick County (Wichita) | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,600 |
| Shawnee County (Topeka) | ~$750 | ~$950 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 |
| Riley County (Manhattan) | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,600 |
| Leavenworth County | ~$950 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,850 |
| Saline County (Salina) | ~$650 | ~$800 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 |
| Crawford County (Pittsburg) | ~$600 | ~$750 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,200 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Kansas | ~$550 | ~$700 | ~$950 | ~$1,150 |
Note: Payment standards set by each Kansas PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA or KHRC.
Kansas Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Section 8 in Kansas is administered by local PHAs across the state, with KHRC providing statewide support. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Statewide Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) | (785) 217-2001 | kshousingcorp.org | Statewide housing oversight, affordable housing programs, and rental assistance coordination |
Kansas City Metro PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority (KCKHA) | Kansas City | (913) 281-3300 | Wyandotte County / Kansas City, KS |
| Johnson County Housing Authority | Olathe | (913) 715-6600 | Johnson County |
| Leavenworth Housing Authority | Leavenworth | (913) 682-3656 | Leavenworth County |
| Olathe Housing Authority | Olathe | (913) 971-9120 | City of Olathe |
| Overland Park Housing Authority | Overland Park | (913) 895-6383 | City of Overland Park |
Wichita & Central Kansas PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita Housing Authority (WHA) | Wichita | (316) 462-3500 | Sedgwick County |
| Salina Housing Authority | Salina | (785) 827-0411 | Saline County |
| Hutchinson Housing Authority | Hutchinson | (620) 663-5394 | Reno County |
| Newton Housing Authority | Newton | (316) 283-2360 | Harvey County |
| McPherson Housing Authority | McPherson | (620) 241-1427 | McPherson County |
Topeka & Northeast Kansas PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka Housing Authority (THA) | Topeka | (785) 357-8842 | Shawnee County |
| Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority | Lawrence | (785) 842-8110 | Douglas County |
| Manhattan Housing Authority | Manhattan | (785) 776-4494 | Riley County |
| Junction City Housing Authority | Junction City | (785) 762-2635 | Geary County (Fort Riley area) |
| Emporia Housing Authority | Emporia | (620) 342-1800 | Lyon County |
| Ottawa Housing Authority | Ottawa | (785) 242-7450 | Franklin County |
Southeast & Southwest Kansas PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburg Housing Authority | Pittsburg | (620) 231-5050 | Crawford County |
| Parsons Housing Authority | Parsons | (620) 421-4120 | Labette County |
| Independence Housing Authority | Independence | (620) 331-4050 | Montgomery County |
| Liberal Housing Authority | Liberal | (620) 624-7451 | Seward County |
| Garden City Housing Authority | Garden City | (620) 276-1262 | Finney County |
| Dodge City Housing Authority | Dodge City | (620) 225-4880 | Ford County |
Tip: If your city or county is not listed above, contact the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) at (785) 217-2001 or visit kshousingcorp.org for referral to the appropriate local program. You can also use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov filtered by Kansas.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Kansas
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Kansas:
Step 1: Identify Every Kansas PHA Serving Your Area
In the Kansas City metro, multiple PHAs serve different jurisdictions — KCKHA covers Wyandotte County, Johnson County Housing Authority covers the suburbs, and Leavenworth, Olathe, and Overland Park each have their own authorities. Identify every PHA covering your target area and apply to all open waitlists simultaneously.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
Kansas PHAs vary in waitlist availability. To stay current:
- Check each PHA’s official website regularly for waitlist announcements
- Call each Kansas PHA directly to ask about current status and expected openings
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Kansas waitlist openings
- Visit kshousingcorp.org for statewide KHRC program updates
- Contact Kansas Legal Services at (800) 723-6953 — they track housing program availability statewide
Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens
When a Kansas PHA opens its waitlist, apply as quickly as possible. Most Kansas PHAs now offer online pre-applications. Have ready:
- 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: disability, homeless status, veteran status, domestic violence survivor, or active military
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Kansas PHA waitlists are generally more manageable than those in coastal states. In Wichita and Topeka, waits typically run 1 to 3 years. In the Kansas City metro (Johnson County), waits can run 2 to 5 years. In smaller Kansas cities, waits can be shorter — sometimes 6 months to 2 years. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with every PHA every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices
- Apply to multiple Kansas PHAs simultaneously
- Ask about priority preferences that may advance your position:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Displaced by fire, natural disaster, or government action
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- 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, Social Security or disability award letters, Kansas TANF (Temporary Assistance for Families — TAF) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, KanCare (Kansas Medicaid), TAF, or other Kansas benefit award letters
- Military documentation — DD-214 or military ID if applicable for veteran or active-duty preferences
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A Kansas PHA specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Be thorough and honest. If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact Kansas Legal Services at (800) 723-6953 or the Kansas Human Rights Commission at (785) 296-3206.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Kansas Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Kansas has no statewide SOI law (with the exception of Lawrence), so securing a willing landlord requires active searching. Request extensions proactively if needed.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Kansas
Here are the best resources for finding participating landlords in Kansas:
- KHRC Housing Resources: kshousingcorp.org — KHRC maintains affordable housing search tools and program information statewide
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Kansas city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with Kansas listings, especially Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Kansas for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing
- Zillow / Apartments.com / Craigslist Kansas: search keywords “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
- Lawrence residents: Lawrence has local SOI protections — if a landlord in Lawrence refuses your voucher, contact the Lawrence Human Relations Division at (785) 832-3060
- Kansas Human Rights Commission: For discrimination based on other protected classes (race, disability, familial status, national origin), file a complaint at (785) 296-3206 or khrc.net
Kansas Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Kansas?
Kansas waitlists are generally shorter than those in coastal states. The Wichita Housing Authority waitlist typically runs 1 to 3 years. The Topeka Housing Authority is similar — 1 to 3 years. In the Johnson County (Overland Park/Olathe) suburbs, waits run 2 to 5 years. Kansas City, KS (KCKHA) waitlists run approximately 2 to 4 years. In smaller Kansas cities like Salina, Hutchinson, and Pittsburg, waits can be shorter — sometimes under a year when lists are open. Applying to multiple Kansas PHAs simultaneously is strongly recommended.
Can a Kansas landlord refuse Section 8?
In most of Kansas, yes — landlords may legally refuse Section 8 vouchers since there is no statewide SOI protection law. However, Lawrence has a local fair housing ordinance that prohibits source-of-income discrimination. Outside Lawrence, work closely with your PHA housing specialist and use GoSection8.com and your PHA’s landlord list to find willing participants. Many Kansas landlords — particularly in Wichita, Topeka, and smaller cities — do participate in the program.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Kansas?
Income limits vary by county. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $31,250 in rural Kansas to $58,500 in Johnson County. Wichita (Sedgwick County) is approximately $40,750 and Topeka (Shawnee County) approximately $38,650. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Kansas?
In Johnson County (Overland Park/Olathe), payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $1,300–$1,550. In Kansas City, KS (Wyandotte County), approximately $1,050–$1,250. In Wichita, approximately $950–$1,100. In Topeka, approximately $875–$1,050. In smaller Kansas cities and rural areas, payment standards are typically $650–$850 for a two-bedroom. Contact your specific PHA for current exact payment standards.
Are there special Section 8 programs for military families in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas is home to several major military installations — Fort Riley (near Manhattan/Junction City), Fort Leavenworth (Leavenworth), and McConnell Air Force Base (Wichita). The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans through the VA. For active-duty military families, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) typically covers on- or off-post housing costs — but veterans and separated service members transitioning to civilian housing should contact their local PHA or the VA immediately. The Manhattan Housing Authority and Junction City Housing Authority serve the Fort Riley area; Leavenworth Housing Authority serves the Fort Leavenworth community.
Can I use my Kansas Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Kansas Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state. Contact your Kansas PHA to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards, which may be higher or lower than Kansas levels.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Kansas?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Kansas VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (Wichita) at (316) 685-2221, Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center (Topeka) at (785) 350-3111, and Fort Riley Warrior Transition Unit for active-duty transitions. Contact your nearest Kansas VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
Does Kansas have housing programs for meatpacking and agricultural workers?
Yes. Southwest and south-central Kansas — particularly Garden City, Liberal, and Dodge City — has large meatpacking and agricultural industries employing many immigrant and refugee workers. KHRC and local community action agencies provide rental assistance and affordable housing resources in these communities. Western Plains Child and Family Services in Dodge City at (620) 225-4990 and United Methodist Western Kansas Mexican-American Ministries in Garden City provide housing navigation support for this population. Contact 211 Kansas for local referrals in any county.
What other programs help with housing in Kansas besides Section 8?
Kansas has several additional housing assistance programs including the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered through KHRC, emergency rental help through local Community Action Agencies across the state, KHRC’s LIHTC affordable housing portfolio, and the Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund for homeowners. Kansas’s Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF) program can also provide emergency housing assistance. Dial 211 or visit 211kansas.org for immediate local referrals anywhere in Kansas.
Additional Housing Resources in Kansas
- Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC): kshousingcorp.org — statewide housing oversight, rental assistance programs, and homeownership resources; (785) 217-2001
- 2-1-1 Kansas: Dial 211 or visit 211kansas.org — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC): khrc.net — file housing discrimination complaints based on protected classes; (785) 296-3206
- Lawrence Human Relations Division: (785) 832-3060 — file SOI and fair housing complaints in Lawrence
- Kansas Legal Services: kansaslegalservices.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income Kansans including eviction defense; (800) 723-6953
- Dillons / United Way 211 Kansas: unitedwaykansas.org — housing referrals and social services statewide
- Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas: catholiccharitiesnek.org — emergency rental assistance and housing navigation in Kansas City area; (913) 621-1504
- Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas: catholiccharitieswichita.org — housing and social services in Wichita and southwest Kansas; (316) 264-8344
- Habitat for Humanity of Kansas: habitatkansas.org — affordable homeownership programs statewide for income-eligible families
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center at (316) 685-2221 (Wichita) or Colmery-O’Neil VA at (785) 350-3111 (Topeka) for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- Western Plains Child and Family Services (Dodge City): (620) 225-4990 — housing and family support services in southwest Kansas
- CompassPoint Community Services (Wichita): compasspointwichita.com — rapid rehousing and homeless services in Wichita and Sedgwick County; (316) 267-0222
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Kansas
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Kansas is more achievable than in many other states — waitlists are generally shorter, rents are lower, and payment standards go further. Kansas’s military presence, university communities, and agricultural workforce all create distinct housing needs that the state’s PHAs and KHRC work to address.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply to every open Kansas PHA waitlist immediately — KCKHA, Johnson County, WHA, THA, Lawrence-Douglas County, and every PHA serving your area
- Don’t overlook smaller Kansas city PHAs — Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, and Pittsburg often have shorter waitlists when open
- Contact KHRC at (785) 217-2001 for statewide rental assistance programs available while you wait for a Section 8 voucher
- Keep all contact information current with every PHA you have applied to
- Ask your PHA for their internal landlord list — in Kansas’s non-SOI market (outside Lawrence), this is your most reliable tool for finding a willing landlord
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, contact your local Kansas PHA directly or visit the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation at kshousingcorp.org.
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. Kansas state and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Kansas Public Housing Authority, the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.