What income-based housing programs operate in Wyoming
Wyoming has a smaller population than most states, which means fewer housing programs overall but also shorter wait lists in many areas. The main income-based housing options are Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) apartments. Section 8 is run by individual housing authorities in each county — there is no single statewide program. Public housing developments exist in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and a few smaller towns. LIHTC properties are scattered across the state and do not require you to go through a housing authority; you contact the landlord or property manager directly.
Wyoming does not have a statewide rental information program, but your county may have local funds that open periodically. The best way to find out what is currently available in your area is to call your county's housing authority or dial 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local resources). Because programs change and funds run out, a single phone call will tell you which doors are actually open right now rather than which ones existed six months ago.
Key Takeaways
- Section 8 vouchers are administered by county housing authorities, not by a central Wyoming office, so you must contact the authority in the county where you want to live.
- Wait lists for Section 8 in Wyoming range from a few months to several years depending on the county, and some authorities close their lists when they are full.
- Public housing and LIHTC apartments do not require a voucher and may have shorter wait times, but availability is limited outside Cheyenne and Casper.
- Calling 211 or your local housing authority is the fastest way to learn which programs have open lists and what documents you will need to bring.
- Wyoming has no statewide emergency rental information program, but some counties operate temporary funds when money becomes available.
How Section 8 works in Wyoming counties
Each Wyoming county has its own housing authority that runs Section 8. The largest programs are in Laramie County (Cheyenne), Natrona County (Casper), and Albany County (Laramie). Smaller counties like Sublette, Hot Springs, and Washakie have programs too, but they may have very few vouchers available. When you get a voucher, you can use it to rent from any private landlord who agrees to participate — the voucher pays a portion of your rent, and you pay the rest. The housing authority pays the landlord directly.
Wait lists vary widely by county. Cheyenne's wait list can be two to three years long; Casper's is typically shorter. Some smaller counties have no wait list at all because they have fewer applicants than vouchers. When a housing authority's wait list is full, they close it and reopen it only when vouchers become available — this can happen months or years later. Before you spend time gathering documents, call the authority in your county to confirm their list is open.
To explore for Section 8, you will need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a photo ID, proof of residency in the county, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. Some authorities ask for a background check authorization form. The process takes four to eight weeks from process to approval, though wait lists mean you may wait much longer before a voucher is actually available to use.
Public housing and LIHTC apartments as alternatives
Public housing is owned and operated by housing authorities. Wyoming has public housing in Cheyenne (managed by Laramie County Housing Authority), Casper (Natrona County), Laramie (Albany County), and in smaller towns like Rawlins, Rock Springs, and Sheridan. Public housing rents are set at 30 percent of your household income, the same as Section 8. Wait lists are often shorter than Section 8 because fewer people know about them, though availability is limited.
LIHTC properties are private apartments that receive tax credits in exchange for renting to low-income households. You do not explore through a housing authority; instead, you contact the property directly. Rents are lower than market rate but not necessarily as low as Section 8 or public housing. LIHTC properties exist in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and scattered throughout smaller towns. To find them, search online for "affordable housing" plus your city name, or call 211 and ask for a list of LIHTC properties near you.
Wyoming county housing authorities and how to reach them
| County | Housing Authority | Service Area |
|---|---|---|
| Laramie County | Laramie County Housing Authority | Cheyenne and surrounding area |
| Natrona County | Natrona County Housing Authority | Casper and surrounding area |
| Albany County | Albany County Housing Authority | Laramie and surrounding area |
| Sweetwater County | Sweetwater County Housing Authority | Rock Springs, Green River |
| Campbell County | Campbell County Housing Authority | Gillette and surrounding area |
| Other counties | Contact your county clerk's office | Varies |
The fastest way to find your county's housing authority is to call 211 and give them your county name. They will provide the phone number and tell you whether the Section 8 list is open. You can also search online for "[Your County Name] Housing Authority" to find their website and phone number directly. Many smaller counties share a housing authority or contract with a regional office, so 211 is the most reliable source.
What documents to bring when you contact a housing authority
Have these documents ready before you call or visit: photo ID (driver's license or state ID), proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment letter, or Social Security statement), proof of residency in the county (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency), and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your unemployment office or a statement showing you are receiving benefits. If you receive child support or alimony, bring documentation of that income.
If you have a disability or are over 62, mention this when you call — some housing authorities have preferences or shorter wait lists for elderly and disabled applicants. If you are experiencing homelessness, tell them that too; many programs prioritize people without stable housing. Bring any documentation you have (a letter from a shelter, a social worker, or a case manager) that confirms your housing status.
Rental information and emergency funds in Wyoming
Wyoming does not have a permanent statewide emergency rental information program. However, some counties have received temporary federal or state funding for rental help during specific periods. These funds typically cover back rent (arrears) rather than future rent, and they pay the landlord directly. When funds are available, they are usually announced through the county housing authority or through 211.
If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, call 211 first to ask whether emergency rental funds are currently open in your county. If they are not, ask about other local resources — some nonprofits and community action agencies offer rental help on a smaller scale. If you have an eviction notice, bring it with you; some programs prioritize cases with active court dates.
How to use 211 to find housing resources in Wyoming
Dial 211 from any phone in Wyoming and you will reach a live person who can tell you which housing programs are open in your county right now. You do not need to know the name of a specific program — just tell them your county, your income range, and whether you are looking for Section 8, public housing, or emergency rental help. They will give you phone numbers and tell you what documents to bring.
211 is free and available during business hours. If you call outside business hours, you can leave a message and someone will call you back. You can also visit 211.org and enter your zip code to see a list of housing resources in your area, though the phone line is faster if you need to know whether a wait list is open today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in Wyoming to explore for Section 8?
No, but you must be a resident of the specific county where you are explore. You can explore in any Wyoming county, but you cannot use a voucher from one county to rent in another county without transferring it first. If you are moving to Wyoming, explore in the county where you plan to live.
What if the Section 8 wait list in my county is closed?
Call the housing authority every few months to ask when they expect to reopen it. In the meantime, look into public housing in your area or search for LIHTC apartments. Some smaller counties have shorter wait lists or no wait list at all, so if you are flexible about location, that may be an option.
Can I explore for Section 8 if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and how long ago it occurred. Housing authorities have different policies. Call your county's housing authority and ask — they can tell you whether your specific situation disqualifies you before you spend time on an process.
How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I am approved?
Approval takes four to eight weeks. After approval, you go on a wait list for an actual voucher to become available. In large counties like Cheyenne, this can take months or years. In smaller counties, it may be weeks or months. The housing authority will tell you your position on the list when you are approved.
What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?
In rural Wyoming, some landlords are unfamiliar with the program. Ask the housing authority for a list of landlords who have participated before, or ask them to help you contact a landlord on your behalf. Some housing authorities have staff who work with landlords to explain how the program works.