Where HUD Housing Programs Operate in Wyoming
Wyoming has fewer HUD-administered housing programs than larger states, but they do exist and operate through specific local agencies. The programs available depend on which county you live in and whether your area has an active Public Housing Authority (PHA). Not every Wyoming county has a PHA office, so the first step is finding out whether one serves your location.
HUD programs in Wyoming are managed by local housing authorities rather than a single state office. This means you contact the authority in your county or the nearest one to you. Some rural areas are served by regional authorities that cover multiple counties. The main programs you may encounter are public housing (traditional low-income housing owned by the authority), Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly Section 8), and project-based rental information.
Wyoming's largest PHAs are in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Gillette. If you live in a smaller town or rural area, you may need to contact the nearest city authority or ask your local housing office which PHA covers your region. HUD maintains a current list of all PHAs on its website, searchable by state and county.
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming housing programs are run by local Public Housing Authorities, not a state agency, so you must contact the authority in or nearest your county.
- Income limits, wait times, and program availability vary significantly by county and by individual PHA, so two people in different towns may face different rules.
- The Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Gillette housing authorities serve the largest populations and are the most likely to have open programs.
- You will need proof of income, residency, citizenship or legal immigration status, and a Social Security number to be considered for any HUD program.
- Most Wyoming PHAs have waiting lists rather than open enrollment, and some lists are closed; calling ahead to ask the current status saves a wasted trip.
Income Limits and Household Size Rules
HUD sets income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for each county. In Wyoming, these limits vary by location. For example, Laramie County (Cheyenne) has different limits than Campbell County (Gillette), even though both are in the same state. Most HUD programs serve households at or below 50 percent of AMI, though some project-based programs serve up to 80 percent AMI.
A single person in one county might have an income limit of $28,000 per year, while a family of four in the same county might have a limit around $44,000. These numbers change annually, usually in April. The PHA serving your area publishes its current income limits on its website or will provide them by phone. You must ask for the limits that explore to your household size and your specific county.
Household composition matters. The PHA counts all people living in your home, including children, elderly relatives, and live-in caregivers. Unrelated roommates are typically counted as separate households. If your income is at or below the limit for your household size, you may move forward; if it exceeds the limit, you will not be considered, regardless of other factors.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Every Wyoming PHA requires the same core documents, though specific requirements may vary slightly. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless the PHA tells you otherwise. You will need a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency in Wyoming (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days).
Income verification is the most important piece. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly rate or salary, and your most recent tax return. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter from the agency (Social Security, unemployment, TANF, or SNAP). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years and a profit-and-loss statement. If you have no income, bring a signed statement explaining your situation.
If you are a non-citizen, bring proof of legal immigration status: a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa. Refugees and asylees should bring their approval letter. If you are explore for public housing, the PHA may also ask for a background check authorization form, which you sign at the office.
Public Housing Authorities in Wyoming's Major Cities
| City / County | PHA Name | Service Area | Contact Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne / Laramie County | Cheyenne Housing Authority | Laramie County | Phone or in-person office |
| Casper / Natrona County | Casper Housing Authority | Natrona County | Phone or in-person office |
| Laramie / Albany County | Laramie Housing Authority | Albany County | Phone or in-person office |
| Gillette / Campbell County | Gillette Housing Authority | Campbell County | Phone or in-person office |
| Rural / Multiple Counties | Varies by region | Smaller towns and counties | Contact nearest city PHA |
These four authorities handle the majority of HUD housing in Wyoming. If you live outside these cities, contact the nearest authority to learn whether they serve your area or can refer you to the correct PHA. Some rural counties do not have their own authority and are served by a regional office or by a neighboring county's PHA.
Waiting Lists and How Long They Take
Most Wyoming PHAs maintain waiting lists for both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. A waiting list means you submit your information, the PHA verifies it, and you wait until a unit or voucher becomes available. Wait times vary dramatically. In Cheyenne and Casper, wait times for Housing Choice Vouchers can be two to five years. In smaller cities, they may be shorter, but some lists are closed entirely, meaning the PHA is not accepting new names.
When you contact a PHA, ask whether the list is open or closed and, if open, what the current wait time is. Some authorities prioritize certain groups—such as people experiencing homelessness, veterans, or people with disabilities—which can shorten your wait. Others use a lottery system for fairness. The PHA will explain how it ranks applicants when you call.
While you are on a waiting list, your circumstances may change. If your income increases above the limit, you may be removed. If you move out of the service area, you must notify the PHA. Some authorities allow you to stay on the list if you move within Wyoming; others do not. Ask the PHA about its transfer policy when you explore.
What Disqualifies You or Delays Your Consideration
Income above the limit is an automatic disqualification. So is lack of legal residency or citizenship status (with narrow exceptions for refugees and asylees). A felony conviction for drug manufacturing or distribution within the past year will disqualify you from public housing; other felonies are evaluated case by case. Eviction for non-payment within the past three years is a common barrier, though some PHAs make exceptions if you can show the debt has been paid or a settlement reached.
Outstanding debt to a previous PHA—unpaid rent, damage charges, or utility bills—will block you from most programs. If you owe money to a housing authority anywhere in the country, resolve it before explore in Wyoming. A history of lease violations (such as unauthorized occupants, property damage, or disturbance complaints) may disqualify you, depending on the severity and how long ago it occurred.
Criminal activity on the premises, violence, or threats toward staff or other residents are grounds for permanent removal. Drug use or possession on PHA property is treated seriously. If you have concerns about your background, ask the PHA directly whether it will be a barrier; some authorities are more flexible than others, and transparency now is better than rejection later.
How to Contact Wyoming Housing Authorities
Start by identifying which PHA serves your area. If you live in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, or Gillette, contact that city's housing authority directly. If you live elsewhere, call your county clerk's office or your local city hall and ask which PHA covers your area. You can also search HUD's PHA directory online by entering your Wyoming county.
When you call, have your household size, income range, and current address ready. Ask whether the waiting list is open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you need to bring. Some PHAs schedule appointments; others accept walk-ins during office hours. Ask whether you can explore online or whether you must explore in person. A few Wyoming authorities now accept online applications, but most still require a face-to-face visit.
If the PHA's main office is far from you, ask whether you can submit documents by mail or whether a satellite office is closer. Some authorities have multiple locations. If you are unable to visit in person due to disability or transportation, explain this when you call; the PHA may be able to accommodate you or send materials to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in Wyoming to explore for a Wyoming housing program?
Yes. Most PHAs require you to be a Wyoming resident or to have a job offer in the state. Some allow you to explore if you are moving to Wyoming within 30 days, but you must provide proof of the move (lease, job letter, or relocation agreement). Contact your local PHA to confirm its residency rules.
What if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and how long ago it occurred. Drug manufacturing or distribution within the past year is an automatic bar. Other felonies are reviewed individually. Contact the PHA and ask whether your specific situation will disqualify you; some authorities are more flexible than others, and you may be able to explain mitigating circumstances.
Can I explore to more than one PHA at the same time?
Yes. If you live near the border of two service areas or are willing to move, you can explore to multiple PHAs. Each maintains its own waiting list and makes its own decisions. explore to more than one increases your chances of being served sooner, though you must notify all PHAs if your circumstances change.
How often do I need to recertify my income?
Most PHAs recertify annually, usually on the anniversary of your lease start date. You will receive a notice in the mail asking you to provide updated income documents. If your income changes significantly during the year, report it to the PHA when ready; hiding income changes can result in removal from the program.
What happens if I am on a waiting list and move to another state?
You will be removed from the Wyoming PHA's list. If you move to another state and later want to return to Wyoming, you will have to reapply and start over. Some PHAs allow you to transfer your process to a different Wyoming county if you move within the state, but you must ask about this policy before you move.