Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Chester, IA 52134
No income-restricted buildings are listed in 52134 — here are the closest ones.
No income-restricted buildings are listed in Chester, IA 52134. 3 income-restricted buildings are listed nearby (within about 10 miles). These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
Closest to 52134
Hilltop Apts
454 N Miller St, Lime Springs, IA 52155
6.3 mi away
15 units
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Alert Manor Inc
502 5th Ave W, Cresco, IA 52136
15.3 mi away
23 units · 1–2 BR
- 1 vacant unit reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Crestview Village
806 Second St SW, Cresco, IA 52136
15.9 mi away
32 units · 1–3 BR · People with disabilities
Lantern Park Osage
1032 N 10th St, Osage, IA 50461
23.8 mi away
16 units · 2–3 BR · People with disabilities
- 7 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Hamlin Garland
831 Heritage Dr, Osage, IA 50461
24.5 mi away
26 units · 1–2 BR
- 10 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
New Hamptons Pleasant Manor
805 W Main St, New Hampton, IA 50659
28.7 mi away
23 units · 1–2 BR
- 2 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Burling House
910 1st Ave, Charles City, IA 50616
31 mi away
12 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Cedar Terrace South
201 Greenlees Cir Apt 1, Charles City, IA 50616
31.4 mi away
147 units · 1–3 BR
- Apply through Charles City Hsg and Redev Authority
- Residents waited about 5 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
Cedar Crest
910 13th St, Charles City, IA 50616
32.5 mi away
24 units · 1 BR
- 18 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
No nearby buildings match this filter.
Rents and income limits in 52134
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,070/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $42,800/yr
Income limits (2026)
Howard County, IA area · median family income $86,700. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,800 | $32,950 | $52,750 |
| 2 | $22,600 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $42,350 | $67,800 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $47,050 | $75,300 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $54,600 | $87,350 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $58,350 | $93,400 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
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 | 52134 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $780 | $688 |
| 1 bedroom | $920 | $852 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,070 | $927 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,440 | $1,284 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,590 | $1,523 |
Wider area = Howard County, IA. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 4 nearby ZIPs range from $930 (52155) to $1,300 (50466).
Census figures for 52134 (2020–2024 average): median rent $579. Median household income $63,125. 15% of homes are rented.
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 52134's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 52134Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in Chester, IA 52134?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Chester, IA 52134, 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 Chester, IA 52134 have openings?
These lists for Chester, IA 52134 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 Chester, IA 52134?
Use the phone number on each building card in Chester, IA 52134. 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 Chester, IA 52134?
In Chester, IA 52134, 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 ZIP 52134?
No income-restricted buildings are listed in ZIP 52134 right now. 3 nearby buildings are shown on this page. Call to confirm openings.
Is there affordable housing near 52134?
Yes — this page also lists 3 income-restricted buildings in ZIP codes near Chester, IA 52134 (within about 10 miles). Pick a nearby ZIP to see every building there.
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Chester, IA 52134?
Most income-restricted buildings in Chester, IA 52134 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 $32,950, and $47,050 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($52,750 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 Chester, IA 52134?
For many programs in Chester, IA 52134, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $32,950 a year for 1 person and $47,050 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $52,750 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 Chester, IA 52134?
There is no single waiting list for Chester, IA 52134. 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 Chester, IA 52134?
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. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Chester, IA 52134?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Chester, IA 52134, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Chester, IA 52134 is $1,070 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 Chester, IA 52134?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Chester, IA 52134. 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 Chester, IA 52134?
This page may still list buildings in Chester, IA 52134 that accept seniors without being senior-only. Use the filters and call to ask about age set-asides.
Nearby ZIP codes
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026; USDA Rural Development multifamily, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.
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