Ruoff Tower — Income-Restricted Housing in Lancaster, PA 17603
315 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603
151 units · 150 income-restricted · 1 BR
Leasing office: (717) 299-1308Directions
How to apply
- Call the leasing office at (717) 299-1308 to ask about applying, vacancies, and waiting lists.
- These records do not show openings — call to confirm vacancies and waiting lists.
At this building
- Opened
- 1979
- Bedrooms
- 150 1 bedroom
- HUD inspection
- HUD inspection score: 92/100 (Jul 2023) HUD inspects subsidized buildings on a 0–100 scale. This is a snapshot, not a pass/fail grade.
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141 S Queen St Apts
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- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Rents and income limits in 17603
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,690/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $67,600/yr
- Renters in 17603 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 48%
Income limits (2026)
Lancaster, PA area · median family income $109,200. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,950 | $38,250 | $61,150 |
| 2 | $26,200 | $43,700 | $69,900 |
| 3 | $29,500 | $49,150 | $78,650 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $54,600 | $87,350 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $59,000 | $94,350 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $63,350 | $101,350 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $67,750 | $108,350 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $72,100 | $115,350 |
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 | 17603 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,250 | $1,152 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,370 | $1,256 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,690 | $1,553 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,150 | $1,978 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,220 | $2,041 |
Wider area = Lancaster, PA. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $1,380 (17538) to $2,330 (17606).
Census figures for 17603 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,355. Median household income $77,084. 38% of homes are rented. 48% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 26% 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 17603's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 17603Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Ruoff Tower?
Call (717) 299-1308 and ask about applying, vacancies, and waiting lists at Ruoff Tower in Lancaster, PA 17603. These records do not show openings.
Is Ruoff Tower Section 8 housing?
Ruoff Tower is listed with a HUD-assisted or project-based Section 8 contract. The subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different — you apply with the housing authority. Confirm the program when you call.
How many units are at Ruoff Tower?
Public records list 151 units at Ruoff Tower in Lancaster, PA 17603. That is a building size, not a count of open apartments.
Are there other affordable apartments near Ruoff Tower?
Yes — this page lists other income-restricted buildings in 17603 and nearby ZIP codes. Open a nearby card for the address and phone. Lists still do not show vacancies.
People Also Ask
How do I get into Ruoff Tower?
Call the number on this page and ask about the waiting list or how to apply at Ruoff Tower in Lancaster, PA 17603. Public housing is through the housing authority. Bring ID and income documents when they tell you to. This site cannot submit an application for you.
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Lancaster, PA 17603?
Most income-restricted buildings in Lancaster, PA 17603 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 $38,250, and $54,600 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($61,150 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 Lancaster, PA 17603?
For many programs in Lancaster, PA 17603, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $38,250 a year for 1 person and $54,600 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $61,150 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Lancaster, PA 17603?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Lancaster, PA 17603, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Lancaster, PA 17603 is $1,690 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.
Does Ruoff Tower take Section 8 vouchers?
Ruoff Tower is listed with project-based Section 8 or HUD assistance — the subsidy is on the unit, so you usually apply at the building rather than bringing a tenant voucher. Ask when you call whether they also accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying. Report a correction.