Section 8 Housing in Mississippi: Complete Guide

Mississippi consistently ranks among the poorest states in the nation — and its housing challenges reflect that reality.

From Jackson and the Gulf Coast cities of Biloxi and Gulfport to the Mississippi Delta and the rural communities of north and east Mississippi, low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities face a severe shortage of safe, affordable rental housing.

Section 8 housing vouchers in Mississippi provide critical monthly rent relief — and because Mississippi’s rents are among the lowest in the country, vouchers here stretch further than in almost any other state.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Mississippi — including who qualifies, Mississippi-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Mississippi Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What Is Section 8 Housing in Mississippi?

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 Mississippi, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in cities and counties across the state, as well as through the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC), which provides statewide oversight of affordable housing programs and administers certain rental assistance for areas not fully covered 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 Mississippi PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month.

You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Mississippi where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.

Mississippi Context: Mississippi has one of the highest concentrations of federally assisted housing relative to its population of any state — a reflection of persistent poverty, low wages, and limited affordable housing supply.

The Housing Authority of the City of Jackson (HACJ) is the state’s largest PHA, followed by the Biloxi Housing Authority and the Gulfport Housing Authority on the Gulf Coast.

The Mississippi Delta — one of the poorest regions in the United States — is served by a network of smaller PHAs covering Greenville, Greenwood, Clarksdale, and other Delta communities.

Mississippi Source-of-Income Law: What Voucher Holders Need to Know

Mississippi does not have a statewide source-of-income (SOI) protection law. Mississippi landlords are legally permitted under state law to refuse Section 8 vouchers — and some do, particularly in tighter rental markets like Oxford (driven by the University of Mississippi), Hattiesburg (University of Southern Mississippi), and parts of the Gulf Coast.

Mississippi also has no major city-level SOI ordinances currently in effect. This means that finding a participating landlord requires active searching using the resources listed below.

Practical Advice: Mississippi’s lack of SOI protection makes working closely with your local PHA’s housing specialist essential. Request the PHA’s internal participating landlord list at your briefing — in most Mississippi cities, many landlords do voluntarily participate in Section 8 because the program provides reliable, guaranteed rent payments.

In rural areas and the Delta, USDA Rural Development housing programs may also provide additional affordable housing options alongside Section 8.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Mississippi?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi. Because Mississippi is a low-income state overall, AMIs — and therefore income limits — are among the lowest in the country in most areas.

The exceptions are Oxford (Ole Miss) and the Jackson metro, which run modestly higher.

Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Mississippi areas:

Note: Mississippi Delta counties — particularly Coahoma, Leflore, Sunflower, and Bolivar — have some of the lowest income limits of any counties in the United States, reflecting the region’s extreme poverty. Oxford/Lafayette County has the state’s highest limits due to the University of Mississippi’s economic influence.

These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Mississippi PHA or MHC.

2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status

At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. 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 Mississippi PHAs set their own additional screening criteria — policies vary considerably across the state’s many smaller PHAs. Contact your specific PHA for their policy if this applies to your household.

5. No Outstanding PHA Debt

Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Mississippi or another state — must be resolved before approval.

Pro Tip: Because Mississippi has some of the lowest Fair Market Rents in the United States, Section 8 vouchers often cover a substantial portion — or even all — of the rent on many modestly priced Mississippi units.

In rural Delta counties, it is not uncommon for a voucher to cover nearly the entire rent on an eligible unit. This makes Mississippi one of the most voucher-effective states in the country for recipients who can access the program.

How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Mississippi?

Your Section 8 subsidy in Mississippi 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 Mississippi markets:

Note: Mississippi has some of the lowest Fair Market Rents in the United States. Gulf Coast FMRs are modestly higher than the state average due to tourism and post-Katrina reconstruction demand.

Payment standards set by each Mississippi PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA or MHC.

Mississippi Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory

Section 8 in Mississippi is administered by local PHAs across the state. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.

Statewide Resource

Central Mississippi PHAs

Gulf Coast PHAs

Mississippi Delta PHAs

North Mississippi PHAs

South Mississippi PHAs

Tip: Mississippi has PHAs in most of its cities and many rural counties. If your community is not listed above, contact the Mississippi Home Corporation at (601) 718-4642 or mshomecorp.com, or use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov filtered by Mississippi to find the agency serving your area.

For rural Mississippi, USDA Rural Development at rd.usda.gov also administers affordable housing programs that complement Section 8.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Mississippi

Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Mississippi:

Step 1: Identify Every Mississippi PHA Serving Your Area

In the Jackson metro, HACJ covers the city while Rankin and Madison counties have their own PHAs — apply to all three if you are flexible on location.

On the Gulf Coast, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, and other cities each have separate agencies. In the Delta, each county seat typically has its own PHA. Apply to every PHA in your region simultaneously.

Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists

Mississippi PHAs vary considerably in waitlist availability. Many smaller Delta and rural PHAs open and close their waitlists frequently as funding and turnover allow. To stay current:

• Call each Mississippi PHA directly — many smaller agencies do not maintain up-to-date websites and a phone call is the most reliable method
• Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Mississippi waitlist openings
• Contact the Mississippi Home Corporation at (601) 718-4642 for statewide program referrals
• Contact Mississippi Center for Justice at (601) 352-2269 for housing program guidance and legal support
• Dial 211 for local referrals to open Mississippi housing programs

Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens

HACJ waitlist openings in Jackson draw significant interest. Gulf Coast PHA openings also fill quickly. Act immediately when an opening is announced:

• Larger Mississippi PHAs such as HACJ, Biloxi, and Gulfport offer online pre-applications
• Many smaller Mississippi PHAs require paper applications in person or by mail — call ahead to confirm the application process
• Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
• Apply to every open Mississippi PHA simultaneously

Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position

HACJ (Jackson) typically runs 1 to 3 years. Gulf Coast PHAs (Biloxi, Gulfport) typically run 1 to 3 years, though post-hurricane demand can extend waits.

Delta PHAs and smaller rural agencies may have shorter waits — sometimes under a year — when lists are open. 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
• Document any priority preference eligibility:

• 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 hurricane, tornado, flooding, or other natural disaster

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, Mississippi TANF 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, Mississippi Medicaid, TANF, or other Mississippi benefit award letters

Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview

A Mississippi PHA specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview.

If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact the Mississippi Center for Justice at (601) 352-2269 or Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project at (601) 960-9577 for free housing legal guidance.

Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing

If approved, you receive your Mississippi Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Mississippi has no statewide SOI law, so securing a willing landlord requires active searching using the resources listed below.

Many Mississippi landlords do participate in Section 8 voluntarily — the program provides reliable, guaranteed rent payments that many small landlords value in a state where eviction and vacancy are common concerns.

Finding Section 8 Housing in Mississippi

Here are the best resources for finding participating landlords in Mississippi:

• Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC): mshomecorp.com — statewide affordable housing search resources and program information; (601) 718-4642
• HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Mississippi city or ZIP code
• GoSection8.com: national database with Mississippi listings, particularly for Jackson, Gulf Coast, and Hattiesburg
• AffordableHousing.com: filter by Mississippi for voucher-friendly listings
• Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing — in many Mississippi cities this is the most reliable tool
• Craigslist Mississippi / Facebook Marketplace: search “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
• USDA Rural Development Mississippi: rd.usda.gov — rural housing programs including Section 515 rental housing in rural Mississippi communities; (601) 965-4316
• For discrimination complaints based on race, disability, or familial status, contact HUD at (800) 669-9777

Mississippi Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Mississippi?

HACJ (Jackson) typically runs 1 to 3 years. Gulf Coast PHAs (Biloxi, Gulfport) run approximately 1 to 3 years, but can lengthen significantly after major hurricanes due to displacement-driven demand.

Delta PHAs (Greenville, Greenwood, Clarksdale) and smaller rural agencies often have shorter waits — sometimes under a year when waitlists are open. Applying to multiple Mississippi PHAs simultaneously is always the most effective strategy.

Can a Mississippi landlord refuse Section 8?

Yes — under current Mississippi state law, landlords may refuse Section 8 vouchers. Mississippi has no statewide SOI protection law and no major city-level ordinances currently in effect.

However, many Mississippi landlords do voluntarily participate in Section 8, particularly in Jackson, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Delta. Work closely with your PHA housing specialist and use the landlord search resources listed above to find participating properties.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in Mississippi?

For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $26,100 in rural Mississippi to $41,100 in Oxford/Lafayette County.

Jackson (Hinds County) is approximately $37,950 and the Gulf Coast (Harrison County) approximately $37,300. Coahoma County (Clarksdale) is approximately $26,600 — among the lowest in the nation. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov.

How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Mississippi?

In Jackson (Hinds County), payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $960–$1,155. On the Gulf Coast (Harrison County), approximately $1,050–$1,265. In Hattiesburg (Forrest County), approximately $920–$1,100.

In the Delta (Washington/Leflore/Coahoma counties), approximately $645–$770. In rural Mississippi, approximately $600–$715. Because Mississippi market rents are so low, voucher payment standards often cover most or all of the rent on eligible units. Contact your specific PHA for current exact payment standards.

Are there Section 8 resources specific to the Mississippi Delta?

Yes. The Mississippi Delta — encompassing Washington, Leflore, Sunflower, Bolivar, Coahoma, Humphreys, and several other counties — is one of the most economically distressed regions in the United States. Each Delta county seat has its own small PHA, and USDA Rural Development programs are particularly important given the prevalence of rural housing.

Key resources include the Delta Council, Delta Health Alliance (deltahealth.org), and Hope Enterprise Corporation (hopecu.org, 601-944-1100), which provide housing navigation and financial counseling for Delta residents. Dial 211 for current local referrals.

Are there housing resources for Hurricane Katrina and later storm survivors in Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi’s Gulf Coast was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has faced subsequent storms including Hurricane Ida (2021) and Hurricane Zeta (2020). The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has administered CDBG-DR disaster housing programs for storm-affected Gulf Coast residents.

Current storm displacement should be reported to your local PHA as a priority preference. Contact Hope Enterprise Corporation for long-term Gulf Coast recovery housing resources. Dial 211 for FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance referrals after any active disaster declaration.

Can I use my Mississippi Section 8 voucher in another state?

Yes. After living in your initial Mississippi Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state.

Contact your Mississippi PHA to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards — porting from the Delta to Memphis, Tennessee, for example, would result in a higher payment standard.

Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Mississippi?

Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management.

Mississippi VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center (Jackson) at (601) 364-1201, the Biloxi VA Medical Center at (228) 523-5000, and community-based outpatient clinics in Hattiesburg, Tupelo, and Greenville. Contact your nearest Mississippi VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.

What other programs help with housing in Mississippi besides Section 8?

Mississippi has several additional housing assistance programs including MHC’s affordable housing developments, emergency rental assistance through local Community Action Agencies, the Mississippi Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and USDA Rural Development housing programs that are particularly important in rural areas.

Mississippi’s TANF program (administered through MDHS) can provide emergency housing assistance. Mississippi also participates in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program which funds affordable rental developments statewide. Dial 211 for immediate local referrals anywhere in Mississippi.

Additional Housing Resources in Mississippi

• Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC): mshomecorp.com — statewide affordable housing programs, LIHTC, and rental assistance; (601) 718-4642
• 2-1-1 Mississippi: Dial 211 — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
• Mississippi Center for Justice: mscenterforjustice.org — housing advocacy and legal support statewide; (601) 352-2269
• Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project: mvlp.net — free housing legal assistance for low-income Mississippi residents; (601) 960-9577
• North Mississippi Rural Legal Services: nmrls.com — free civil legal aid including housing for northern and Delta Mississippi; (662) 534-1900
• Southeast Mississippi Legal Services: semsls.org — free civil legal aid including housing for southern Mississippi; (601) 582-5551
• Hope Enterprise Corporation: hopecu.org — housing counseling, financial services, and community development across Mississippi and the Deep South; (601) 944-1100
• USDA Rural Development Mississippi: rd.usda.gov — rural housing programs including Section 515 affordable rental developments; (601) 965-4316
• Mississippi Development Authority (MDA): mississippi.org — disaster housing and CDBG-DR programs for storm-affected residents; (601) 359-3449
• HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
• HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center at (601) 364-1201 (Jackson) or Biloxi VA at (228) 523-5000 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
• Catholic Charities Mississippi: ccms.org — emergency rental assistance and housing navigation statewide; (601) 355-8634
• Salvation Army Mississippi Division: salvationarmymississippi.org — emergency shelter and rental assistance statewide

Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Mississippi

Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Mississippi is one of the most impactful forms of housing assistance available in the state — because Mississippi’s extremely low market rents mean that vouchers provide exceptionally strong coverage relative to actual housing costs.

A Mississippi voucher holder often pays far less out of pocket each month than recipients in any other state.

Here are the most important actions to take right now:

1. Apply to every open Mississippi PHA waitlist simultaneously — HACJ in Jackson, Gulf Coast PHAs, Delta PHAs, and any PHA in your region; don’t limit yourself to just one agency
2. Call your local PHA directly — many smaller Mississippi PHAs don’t maintain current websites; a phone call is the most reliable way to check waitlist status and application procedures
3. Contact MHC at (601) 718-4642 for statewide program referrals and to identify all programs available in your area
4. Ask your PHA for their internal landlord list — in Mississippi’s no-SOI environment, the PHA’s participating landlord list is your most reliable tool for finding an eligible unit
5. Contact Mississippi Center for Justice at (601) 352-2269 for free legal guidance if your application is improperly denied or you face housing discrimination
6. 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 Mississippi PHA directly or visit the Mississippi Home Corporation at mshomecorp.com.

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. Mississippi state and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Mississippi Public Housing Authority, Mississippi Home Corporation, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.