How many low income apartments are in Columbia, PA?

HUD administrative data tracks 6 subsidized properties in Columbia with approximately 487 assisted units across project-based Section 8, public housing, LIHTC and §202/§811 programs.

What is the average rent in subsidized housing in Columbia?

Tenant-paid rents in Columbia's assisted buildings typically range from about $409 to $547 monthly, depending on program and bedroom size. Voucher holders generally pay close to 30% of their own income instead.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Columbia?

Two routes: (1) apply directly to each subsidized building — they manage their own waitlists; (2) join your regional housing authority's Housing Choice Voucher waitlist when open. Our step-by-step guide walks through documents and timing.

What rent will a Section 8 voucher cover in Columbia?

Payment standards track HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for Lancaster County: about $1,220/mo for one-bedroom and $1,526/mo for two-bedroom units (gross rent incl. utilities). You pay roughly 30% of income toward the remainder.

Low Income & Subsidized Housing in Columbia, PA

There are 6 subsidized and income-restricted properties in Columbia with roughly 487 assisted units — including 4 project-based Section 8 buildings, 0 public housing developments, and 3 LIHTC tax-credit communities, according to HUD administrative data. Reported tenant-paid rents across these buildings range from about $409 to $547 per month.

assisted properties

487

subsidized units

$478

typical rent

—

median wait

Map of subsidized housing in Columbia

Complete directory of subsidized housing in Columbia

Property	Units	Avg rent	Reported wait
Trinity House PB Section 8	130	$409	—
St Peters Apartments PB Section 8	126	$463	—
Oak Hollow South Oswego Village PB Section 8	67	$547	—
Water Tower LIHTCPB Section 8	60	—	—
Rivercrest Apts LIHTC	56	—	—
Oak Hollow Apts LIHTC	48	—	—

Section 8 apartments in Columbia (project-based)

These buildings carry HUD Section 8 contracts attached to the units — apply at each management office rather than through the voucher waitlist. How project-based Section 8 works →

Property	Units	Avg rent	Reported wait
Trinity House PB Section 8	130	$409	—
St Peters Apartments PB Section 8	126	$463	—
Oak Hollow South Oswego Village PB Section 8	67	$547	—
Water Tower LIHTCPB Section 8	60	—	—

LIHTC & affordable tax-credit apartments in Columbia

Tax-credit units rent below market rate for households within income bands (often 30–60% of Area Median Income). Understanding LIHTC →

Property	Units	Avg rent	Reported wait
Rivercrest Apts LIHTC	56	—	—
Oak Hollow Apts LIHTC	48	—	—

Voucher rent limits: Lancaster County Fair Market Rents

Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in this area derive from HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Lancaster County: studio $1,102, 1-BR $1,220, 2-BR $1,526, 3-BR $1,980, 4-BR $2,020.

Full FMR table for Lancaster County →

How to apply for subsidized housing in Columbia

Apply to buildings directly. Project-based Section 8, public housing, §202/§811 and LIHTC properties run their own waitlists — contact each office using the details on its page.
Join voucher waitlists. Your regional housing authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers; ask about current openings and preferences. Step-by-step application guide →
Document everything. ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income proof speed up both paths.
Stay reachable. Update your address everywhere — missed mail is the top reason applicants lose spots.

Nearby cities with low income housing

Data: HUD Picture of Subsidized Households & LIHTC database (2024 vintage). Figures are administrative averages — confirm current availability with each property.