Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Saint Helens, OR 97051
7 affordable buildings in 97051 · 3 more within 9 mi
Saint Helens, OR 97051 has 7 income-restricted buildings: 4 tax credit, 1 Section 8, 3 senior, and 2 usda rural. 3 more are listed within 9 miles. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
In 97051
Columbia Hills Retirement Center
36050 Pittsburg Rd, Saint Helens, OR 97051
33 units · 32 income-restricted · Studio–1 BR
Broadleaf Arbor (fka St Helens Apartments)
2250 Gable Road, St. Helens, OR 97051
239 units · 238 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Big River Apts
244 North 14th Street, St. Helens, OR 97051
83 units · 1–3 BR
- 6 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Two Rivers Apts. St. Helens
544 North Tenth, St. Helens, OR 97051
24 units · 1–3 BR
- 3 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Northfork Apts
544 N Tenth St, St Helens, OR 97051
24 units · 1–3 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
No buildings in 97051 match this filter.
Nearby
Victorian Court
33653 SE Olive St, Scappoose, OR 97056
9.4 mi away
21 units · 1 BR
- 1 vacant unit reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Sycamore View Apts
33445 SW Sycamore St, Scappose, OR 97056
10 mi away
22 units · 2–4+ BR
- 2 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
- For farmworker households
No nearby buildings match this filter.
Rents and income limits in 97051
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,730/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $69,200/yr
- Renters in 97051 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 52%
Income limits (2026)
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area · median family income $128,300. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26,950 | $44,950 | $71,900 |
| 2 | $30,800 | $51,350 | $82,150 |
| 3 | $34,650 | $57,750 | $92,400 |
| 4 | $38,500 | $64,150 | $102,650 |
| 5 | $41,600 | $69,300 | $110,900 |
| 6 | $44,700 | $74,450 | $119,100 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $79,550 | $127,300 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $84,700 | $135,500 |
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 | 97051 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,420 | $1,527 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,510 | $1,633 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,730 | $1,878 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,360 | $2,550 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,800 | $3,069 |
Wider area = Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 5 nearby ZIPs range from $1,730 (97053) to $1,870 (97056).
Census figures for 97051 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,410. Median household income $85,869. 35% of homes are rented. 52% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 21% 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 97051's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 97051Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in Saint Helens, OR 97051?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Saint Helens, OR 97051, 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051 have openings?
These lists for Saint Helens, OR 97051 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051?
Use the phone number on each building card in Saint Helens, OR 97051. 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051?
In Saint Helens, OR 97051, 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 97051?
This directory lists 7 income-restricted buildings in Saint Helens, OR 97051. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.
Is there affordable housing near 97051?
Yes — this page also lists 3 income-restricted buildings in ZIP codes near Saint Helens, OR 97051 (within about 9 miles). Pick a nearby ZIP to see every building there.
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Saint Helens, OR 97051?
Most income-restricted buildings in Saint Helens, OR 97051 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 $44,950, and $64,150 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($71,900 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051?
For many programs in Saint Helens, OR 97051, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $44,950 a year for 1 person and $64,150 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $71,900 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051?
There is no single waiting list for Saint Helens, OR 97051. 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051?
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 project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Saint Helens, OR 97051. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Saint Helens, OR 97051?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Saint Helens, OR 97051, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Saint Helens, OR 97051 is $1,730 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Saint Helens, OR 97051. 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 Saint Helens, OR 97051?
Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Saint Helens, OR 97051. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.
Nearby ZIP codes
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, 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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