Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Lawrence, MA
43 affordable buildings in Lawrence · 3 ZIP codes
Lawrence, MA has 43 income-restricted buildings across 3 ZIP codes: 27 tax credit, 4 public housing, 13 Section 8, and 10 senior. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
In Lawrence
The 40 highest-ranked of 43 buildings. Pick a ZIP below to see all of them.
Lawrence
47 Auburn St, Lawrence, MA 01841
333 units · 1–2 BR
- Apply through Lawrence Housing Authority
- Residents waited about 80 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
- Several buildings — call for addresses
- Most residents are 62 or older
Merrimack Courts
651 Essex St, Lawrence, MA 01841
290 units · 1–3 BR
- Apply through Lawrence Housing Authority
- Residents waited about 13 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
Beacon Court
100 Market St, Lawrence, MA 01843
253 units · 1–3 BR
- Apply through Lawrence Housing Authority
- Residents waited about 9 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
Elm Street
353 Elm St, Lawrence, MA 01841
174 units · 1 BR
- Apply through Lawrence Housing Authority
- Residents waited about 79 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
- Most residents are 62 or older
Diamond Spring Gardens
1 Beacon Avenue, Lawrence, MA 01843
97 units · 96 income-restricted · Studio–1 BR · People with disabilities
Fidelity House
598 Haverhill St, Lawrence, MA 01841
14 units · 12 income-restricted · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Garden Street Apartments
186-188 Garden Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
10 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Malden Mills Phase II
520, 540, 542 + 600 Broadway (Bldgs 24, 28, 27 + 29R), Lawrence, MA 01841
62 units · Studio–3 BR
Blakeley Building
467 Essex St, Lawrence, MA 01840
46 units · 1–2 BR · People with disabilities · People experiencing homelessness
Sacred Heart Apts
23 Hawley St, Lawrence, MA 01843
44 units · 1–2 BR · People experiencing homelessness
YWCA Fina House
203 Haverhill St, Lawrence, MA 01840
24 units · Studio–2 BR · People experiencing homelessness
Saunders School
243 S Broadway, Lawrence, MA 01843
16 units · 2 BR · People with disabilities · People experiencing homelessness
No buildings in Lawrence match this filter.
Programs in Lawrence
- Tax credit
- Public housing
- Section 8
- Seniors
ZIP codes in Lawrence
Nearby cities
Housing authorities
Public housing in Lawrence is run by these agencies. Apply with them, not at the building.
- Lawrence Housing AuthorityCall (978) 685-3811
Rents and income limits in 01841
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,170/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $86,800/yr
- Renters in 01841 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 64%
Income limits (2026)
Lawrence, MA-NH area · median family income $137,300. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,850 | $48,100 | $74,800 |
| 2 | $33,000 | $54,950 | $85,450 |
| 3 | $37,100 | $61,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 | $41,200 | $68,650 | $106,800 |
| 5 | $44,500 | $74,150 | $115,350 |
| 6 | $47,800 | $79,650 | $123,900 |
| 7 | $51,100 | $85,150 | $132,450 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $90,650 | $141,000 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 01841 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,540 | $1,677 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,660 | $1,809 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,170 | $2,367 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,590 | $2,820 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,850 | $3,111 |
Wider area = Lawrence, MA-NH. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $2,080 (01834) to $3,070 (01810).
Census figures for 01841 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,672. Median household income $56,971. 69% of homes are rented. 64% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 35% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 01841's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 01841Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in Lawrence, MA?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Lawrence, MA, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
Do affordable housing buildings in Lawrence, MA have openings?
These lists for Lawrence, MA don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
How do I apply for affordable housing in Lawrence, MA?
Use the phone number on each building card in Lawrence, MA. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.
What counts as affordable housing in Lawrence, MA?
In Lawrence, MA, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.
How many affordable housing buildings are in Lawrence, MA?
This directory lists 43 income-restricted buildings in Lawrence, MA. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.
Which ZIP codes in Lawrence have affordable housing?
Income-restricted buildings in Lawrence are listed in 01841 (19), 01840 (18), 01843 (6).
Where do I apply for public housing in Lawrence?
Public housing in Lawrence is run by Lawrence Housing Authority. Apply with that agency, not at the building. For project-based Section 8 and tax-credit apartments, call the phone number on the building card.
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Lawrence, MA?
Most income-restricted buildings in Lawrence, MA serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $48,100, and $68,650 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($74,800 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Lawrence, MA?
For many programs in Lawrence, MA, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $48,100 a year for 1 person and $68,650 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $74,800 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Lawrence, MA?
There is no single waiting list for Lawrence, MA. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in Lawrence, MA?
Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists public housing, project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Lawrence, MA. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Lawrence, MA?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Lawrence, MA, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Lawrence, MA is $2,170 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in Lawrence, MA?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Lawrence, MA. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.
Is there senior affordable housing in Lawrence, MA?
Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Lawrence, MA. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.
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