State College Section 8 Calculator — Centre County Income Limits & Rent Estimate

Housing Authority Serving State College

• Agency: Centre County Housing Authority (CCHA)
• Jurisdiction: Centre County, Pennsylvania, including State College Borough
• Waiting list status: Opens periodically; check the official portal
• Application portal: centrecountypa.gov
• Main office: 431 W Aaron Dr, State College, PA 16803
• Phone: (814) 238-7940

The Centre County Housing Authority administers Section 8 housing vouchers for the entire county, with a concentration of participating households in State College — home to Penn State University and a high-cost rental market by Pennsylvania rural standards. CCHA coordinates closely with local social service agencies, nonprofit housing providers, and the State College Borough to connect low-income families with stable rental housing.

Because Penn State drives substantial demand for apartments in the borough and surrounding townships, voucher holders face real competition from students for available units. CCHA’s landlord recruitment efforts focus on properties in townships just outside the borough core, where rents are lower and quality-of-life amenities are strong. Voucher holders may need to search broadly throughout Centre County to find units within the Payment Standard.

Income Limits & Fair Market Rent in Centre County

HUD’s income limits for the State College MSA reflect a mid-tier cost of living shaped by the university economy. The 2026 four-person Very Low Income limit is approximately $42,600 (50% AMI), and the Extremely Low Income limit is roughly $25,550 (30% AMI). Single-person households qualify at around $29,850 at 50% AMI. Households above the Low Income (80% AMI) threshold are not eligible for the voucher program.

Fair Market Rents for Centre County in 2026 are: approximately $900 for a studio, $1,100 for a one-bedroom, $1,400 for a two-bedroom, and $1,850 for a three-bedroom. These reflect the university-driven market. CCHA’s Payment Standards generally align with these FMRs, but the most desirable apartments near campus typically command rents 20–30% above FMR, creating gaps that tenants must bridge.

Planning your housing search around CCHA’s Payment Standard is critical. Targeting units in Bellefonte, Philipsburg, or the Penns Valley area can reduce your out-of-pocket rent while keeping you within the county’s service area. A household earning $1,800 per month would pay roughly $540 toward rent, with the voucher covering the balance up to the Payment Standard.

Run your State College rent estimate →

How to Apply for Section 8 in State College

1. Visit centrecountypa.gov to check current waiting list status and sign up for notifications from CCHA.
2. Gather documentation: valid photo ID, birth certificates and Social Security cards for all household members, recent pay stubs or benefit award letters, and current housing information.
3. Complete the pre-application online or in person during an open enrollment period — be ready to apply quickly as windows can close within days.
4. Stay reachable: update your mailing address and phone number with CCHA whenever they change to avoid removal from the waiting list.
5. When your application is reached, respond to CCHA’s contact promptly, complete the full eligibility verification, attend a mandatory briefing, and begin your housing search within the voucher’s search period.

Waiting List Tips for State College

• The Centre County Centre of Excellence and Centre County Homeless Oversight Board maintain lists of local housing resources that can help bridge the gap while you wait.
• Consider looking at units in Bellefonte or Spring Mills; they are within CCHA’s jurisdiction and often priced within the Payment Standard.
• Summer months (May–August) are the most competitive rental season due to student turnover — aim to search in fall or winter for better landlord flexibility.