South Dakota Section 8

In South Dakota, local public housing authorities (PHAs) administer the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8. SD Housing states that it does not process applications directly for most rental assistance programs, that households should apply through the local housing authority, and that not every county has one. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits and Fair Market Rents that they use.

Who is eligible for Section 8 in South Dakota?

To be eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher, your household must meet three requirements:¹

• Your income must generally be at or below the very low-income limit for your county and household size.
• You must be a “family,” which includes a single person, and at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
• You must meet the housing agency’s screening requirements.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in South Dakota?

For a Housing Choice Voucher, a family generally has to be at or below the very low-income limit, which is 50% of the area’s median family income.¹ In South Dakota, that limit for a family of four is between $47,250 and $59,900 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $42,550 and $53,950.²

At least 75% of new vouchers go to families under the extremely low-income limit, which is 30% of the area median. The calculator above shows all three limits for your county and household size. Your housing agency makes the final decision, and meeting the limit does not guarantee a voucher.

What is the Fair Market Rent in South Dakota?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In South Dakota, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $1,014 a month in 29 counties (including Aurora County) to $1,430 in Pennington County.³ Your housing agency sets a payment standard, usually between 90% and 110% of the FMR, that limits how much of your rent a voucher can cover.⁴

Is Section 8 open in South Dakota?

The Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission states that it has closed its Housing Choice Voucher, HOPWA, moderate rehabilitation and project-based voucher waiting lists until further notice. The Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission reported 4,260 households on its Section 8 voucher list on November 5, 2026, with an estimated wait of 35 to 40 months. It serves Pennington County, Fall River County and the City of Martin. Other agencies open their lists only for certain periods, so ask each local agency about the status of its list.

How much does Section 8 pay in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the rental subsidy is typically calculated as the difference between 30% of the household’s adjusted gross income and the current applicable payment standard.

How do I apply for Section 8 in South Dakota?

There is no cost to apply. Pennington County applicants use the commission’s portal or call 605-394-5350. Sioux Falls applicants may call 605-332-0704. SD Housing directs households that need help finding a local agency to 211. For other areas, apply through the public housing agency that serves the county or city.

1. Find your local PHA. Each county or metropolitan area has its own public housing agency (PHA) with a separate waiting list. You may apply to more than one agency.
2. Join the waiting list. Submit a pre-application when the list is open. Agencies commonly ask for proof of identity, income and household composition.
3. Wait for your turn. The wait varies by agency. An agency may remove an applicant who does not respond to its notices, so keep your contact information current.
4. Receive and use your voucher. The agency inspects the unit before the lease begins. You pay a share of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the agency’s payment standard.⁴

If you need help locating a PHA, call HUD’s PIH Customer Service Center at (800) 955-2232 or look up through the official HUD’s directory of public housing agencies (PHAs).