Blog

How to find affordable housing by ZIP code

November 9, 2026

Type a ZIP code or city in the search box. You get a map of income-restricted buildings in that ZIP and nearby ZIPs, plus what “affordable” means there (income limits and fair-market rents).

These lists come from public HUD and USDA files. They do not show vacancies. Call the property — or the housing authority, for public housing — to ask about openings and waiting lists.

What you will see

• Tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments with income caps.
• Public housing run by a local housing authority.
• Project-based Section 8 (the subsidy stays with the unit).
• USDA rural rentals in smaller towns.

A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Estimate your rent share with the Section 8 rent calculator.

Start here

1. Search a ZIP or city.
2. Filter results to Section 8, tax-credit, public housing, or USDA.
3. Open a building for the address, phone, and how to apply.
4. For a Section 8–only starting point, use Section 8 housing by ZIP.