Central Housing — Income-Restricted Housing in Columbia, SC 29204
2211 Read St, Columbia, SC 29204
196 units · 2–3 BR
- Apply through Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
- Residents waited about 16 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
- Several buildings — call for addresses
Housing authority: (803) 254-3886Directions
How to apply
- Apply through Housing Authority of the City of Columbia. They run this development and take applications.
- Call the housing authority at (803) 254-3886.
- These records do not show openings — call to confirm vacancies and waiting lists.
At this building
- Opened
- 2006
- Income limit
- 60% AMI
- Bedrooms (estimated)
- 12 2 bedrooms · 20 3 bedrooms
- Average tenant rent
- $358/mo
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Nearby income-restricted buildings
Carl Thomas Cox
2431 Richland St, Columbia, SC 29204
0.2 mi away
14 units · 1 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
St Lawrence Place
2400 Waites Rd, Columbia, SC 29204
0.8 mi away
30 units · 2–4+ BR · People experiencing homelessness
Quad Development
1730 Pinehurst Rd, Columbia, SC 29204
0.9 mi away
4 units · 2 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
McCalister Development
1716 Ogden St, Columbia, SC 29204
1 mi away
4 units · 1–2 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Ogden Street Assoc
1716 Ogden St, Columbia, SC 29204
1 mi away
4 units · 1–2 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Waites/McFadden Apts
1703 McFadden St, Columbia, SC 29204
1 mi away
11 units · 2 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Rents and income limits in 29204
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,150/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $46,000/yr
- Renters in 29204 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 57%
Income limits (2026)
Columbia, SC area · median family income $92,400. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,400 | $32,350 | $51,750 |
| 2 | $22,200 | $37,000 | $59,150 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $41,600 | $66,550 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $46,200 | $73,900 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $49,900 | $79,850 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $53,600 | $85,750 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $57,300 | $91,650 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $61,000 | $97,550 |
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 | 29204 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $930 | $992 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,050 | $1,126 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,150 | $1,226 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,470 | $1,546 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,720 | $1,754 |
Wider area = Columbia, SC. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $1,190 (29169) to $1,640 (29201).
Census figures for 29204 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,031. Median household income $50,189. 41% of homes are rented. 57% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 34% 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 29204's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 29204Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Central Housing?
Apply through Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, which runs Central Housing. Call (803) 254-3886. Do not treat a walk-up at the building as the application. These records do not show openings.
Is Central Housing Section 8 housing?
Central Housing is public housing, not a project-based Section 8 contract. Apply with the housing authority. A Housing Choice Voucher is a separate program.
How many units are at Central Housing?
Public records list 196 units at Central Housing in Columbia, SC 29204. That is a building size, not a count of open apartments.
Are there other affordable apartments near Central Housing?
Yes — this page lists other income-restricted buildings in 29204 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 Central Housing?
Call the number on this page and ask about the waiting list or how to apply at Central Housing in Columbia, SC 29204. 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 Columbia, SC 29204?
Most income-restricted buildings in Columbia, SC 29204 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 $32,350, and $46,200 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($51,750 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 Columbia, SC 29204?
For many programs in Columbia, SC 29204, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $32,350 a year for 1 person and $46,200 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $51,750 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 Columbia, SC 29204?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Columbia, SC 29204, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Columbia, SC 29204 is $1,150 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 Central Housing take Section 8 vouchers?
This file does not say that Central Housing has a project-based Section 8 contract. Some landlords in Columbia, SC 29204 accept Housing Choice Vouchers; you have to ask. Apply for a voucher with the housing authority, then call Central Housing.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 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. Report a correction.