Last updated: 2026-10-11

Salem Housing Authority

27 Charter Street, Salem, MA 01970

978-744-4432

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Waiting List Status: Open

About Salem Housing Authority

Contact Salem Housing Authority in Salem, Massachusetts for Section 8 vouchers and public housing assistance. Phone: 978-744-4432. Waiting list status: Open. Programs: Section 8 (HCV).

As a Public Housing Authority (PHA), they play a crucial role in providing affordable housing solutions to low-income families, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities in the Essex area. Their primary focus is on Section 8 (HCV) programs, ensuring that eligible residents have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing options.

They currently manage various housing assistance programs and oversee approximately 1,338 housing vouchers to help eligible residents secure affordable housing in the private market.

Section 8 Payment Standards: Essex County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Your voucher from Salem Housing Authority covers up to:

Studio
$2,359
max/month
1 BR
$2,476
max/month
2 BR
$2,941
max/month
3 BR
$3,526
max/month
4 BR
$3,894
max/month

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents 2026 · huduser.gov

Do You Qualify? Essex County Income Limits

HUD FY2026 Section 8 (50% AMI) income limits for Salem Housing Authority's area:

1 person
$60,000
max/year
2 people
$68,600
max/year
3 people
$77,150
max/year
4 people
$85,700
max/year

All household sizes and income tiers for Essex County →

Housing Statistics: Salem Housing Authority

Reported program data for this housing authority, 2025.

1,383
Subsidized units
88%
Units occupied
$28,223/yr
Avg household income
$692/mo
Avg tenant rent share
70 months
Avg wait before admission
40%
Elderly households (62+)
21%
Households with a disability

Source: HUD Picture of Subsidized Households 2025 · huduser.gov

Things You Care About

  • How to contact Salem Housing Authority
  • Office location and directions
  • Available housing programs and services
  • Service area coverage: Serving Essex County (partial); Serving Suffolk County (partial)
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Contact Information

Phone
978-744-4432
Fax
9787449614

Office Location

Address
27 Charter Street, Salem, MA 01970
City, State ZIP
Salem, MA 01970
Service Area
Serving Essex County (partial); Serving Suffolk County (partial)

Agency Details

PHA Code
MA055
Primary Program Type
Section 8 (HCV)
Housing Vouchers
1,338

Location Map

Frequently Asked Questions

You can reach Salem Housing Authority at 978-744-4432.

The current waiting list status is: Open. Check this page regularly for updates as waiting lists can open and close frequently.

Salem Housing Authority serves: Serving Essex County (partial); Serving Suffolk County (partial).

To apply for Section 8 housing assistance at Salem Housing Authority:
  1. Check if the waiting list is currently open
  2. Submit an application when the list opens
  3. Provide required documentation including proof of income and identification
  4. Wait for your application to be processed

Contact them at 978-744-4432 for specific application requirements.

Many housing authorities accept applications through an online portal when their waiting list is open. You can apply or check for an online application on the official Salem Housing Authority website: https://salemha.org/section-8/. If no online form is available, contact them at 978-744-4432 to apply by phone or in person.

To check your Section 8 or public housing waiting list status with Salem Housing Authority:
  1. Log in to the applicant portal on their official website: https://salemha.org/section-8/, if one is offered
  2. Have your application or confirmation number ready
  3. Or call 978-744-4432 and ask for your current position on the waiting list

Keep your contact details up to date so you do not miss a notice when your name comes up.

Office hours are not published for every housing authority. Most public housing authorities are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and closed on federal holidays. Call 978-744-4432 to confirm hours before visiting, and to confirm the office at 27 Charter Street, Salem, MA 01970 is open.

In Essex County, Massachusetts, a family of 4 generally qualifies for Section 8 with gross annual income at or below $85,700, and a single person below $60,000 (HUD FY2026 very low income limits). See all household sizes on the Essex County income limits page.

According to HUD's 2025 Picture of Subsidized Households data, Salem Housing Authority administers approximately 1,383 subsidized units, of which about 88% are occupied. Around 1,178 of these are Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers.

Households admitted by Salem Housing Authority had spent an average of 70 months on the waiting list, per HUD's 2025 Picture of Subsidized Households data. This is a historical average, not a guarantee - actual wait times vary by program, preferences, and when the list opens.

Related Resources

Salem Housing Authority Waiting Lists All Essex County PHAs All Massachusetts PHAs Massachusetts Counseling Agencies Section 8 Guide How to Apply Guide

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, familial status, gender, and disability. The Fair Housing Act ensures that all persons receive equal housing opportunity. For more information about the Fair Housing Act and your rights, visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development .