Subsidized Housing Dashboard
America's subsidized housing programs serve millions — but leave millions more waiting. Only 1 in 4 eligible households receive assistance.
Total Subsidized Units
🏘️5.2M
Across all federal programs
Federal Spending
💵$55B/yr
Annual housing assistance
Need Met
📉25%
Of eligible households served
Avg Wait Time
⏳2.5 yrs
Some metros: 10+ years
Subsidized Housing by Program
Federal Housing Spending ($B/yr)
Source: HUD Budget, Congressional Research Service
Longest Section 8 Wait Lists by Metro
Source: HUD, Public Housing Authority reports. Some wait lists are closed to new applicants.
The Gap: Need vs. Available Affordable Units
11,200,000
Extremely Low-Income Renter Households
7,400,000
Affordable & Available Units
3,800,000
Unit Shortage
Source: NLIHC "The Gap" Report, 2024. ELI = households earning below 30% of Area Median Income.