HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA

1917 Harden St, Columbia, SC, 29204 · ~5,997 units under management

Call 8032543886

Fair Market Rent by unit size — Columbia, SC (2026)

Figures shown are Fair Market Rent for the county this agency primarily serves — the agency's actual payment standard (typically 90–110% of FMR) may differ. Confirm directly with the agency. Full county data: Richland County

Who this agency serves

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA served 5,077 households across 5,977 units (85% occupied) as of HUD's 2025 Picture of Subsidized Households data. The typical assisted household here has an average of 2.3 people, an average annual income of $16,950, and pays an average of $426 per month toward rent.

Households served
5,077 of 5,977 units
Avg. household income
$16,950
Avg. rent paid by household
$426
Avg. household size
2.3 people
Households with children
47%
Head of household 62+
28%
Head of household with a disability
29%
Avg. wait to move in
19 months

Unit mix: 20% 1-bedroom, 38% 2-bedroom, 42% 3-bedroom.

Source: HUD's Picture of Subsidized Households, 2025— figures reflect this agency's most recent reporting period across all HUD programs it administers, not just Housing Choice Vouchers.

Public housing inspection scores

HUD conducts physical inspections of public housing developments under the REAC (Real Estate Assessment Center) program. Scores run 0–100: 90+ is High Performer, 60–89 is Standard, below 60 is Troubled. This agency administers 8 developments with an average score of 79 (Standard).

DevelopmentCityScoreProtocolInspected
SINGLE FAMILY WESTColumbia100 High PerformerUPCSJun 2015
SINGLE FAMILY CONSTRUCTIONColumbia94 High PerformerUPCSJun 2022
SINGLE FAMILY ACQUISITIONColumbia88 StandardNSPIREApr 2025
GONZALES GARDENSColumbia80 StandardNSPIREJul 2025
NORTHEAST HOUSINGColumbia77 StandardNSPIREJul 2025
CENTRAL HOUSINGColumbia70 StandardNSPIREJul 2025
ALLEN BENEDICT COURTColumbia67 StandardNSPIREJul 2025
SOUTHEAST HOUSINGColumbia55 TroubledNSPIREAug 2025

Source: HUD REAC Physical Inspection Scores — data reflects the most recent inspection for each development. See Understanding REAC and NSPIRE inspection scores for methodology details.

For Renters

Am I eligible?

To qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher through HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA, your household's gross annual income generally must be at or below the limits below (50% of area median income, as set by HUD). Most agencies are required to prioritize applicants at or below 30% AMI (the Extremely Low Income limit) for at least 75% of new vouchers.

Household sizeMax gross annual income
1 person$32,350
2 people$37,000
3 people$41,600
4 people$46,200
5 people$49,900
6 people$53,600
7 people$57,300
8 people$61,000

Source: HUD Income Limits, 2026. Meeting the income limit does not guarantee a voucher — waiting lists, local preferences, and funding levels vary. Contact HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA directly for current availability. Learn more about eligibility →

For Renters

Income-restricted housing in Columbia, SC

These properties were built or rehabilitated using the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and must rent a portion of units below market rate. Many, but not all, accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers — contact the property directly to confirm current availability and voucher acceptance.

Source: HUD LIHTC Public-Use Database. Properties shown were placed in service within the last 35 years and may still be under compliance obligations. Verify availability, income limits, and voucher acceptance directly with each property. More on finding affordable housing →

Applying with this agency

Application processes and waiting-list status vary by agency — contact HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA directly using the info above, or read our general guide to how to apply and how waiting lists work.

Evaluating this market

Landlords and investors: see becoming a Section 8 landlord and how to read this market's numbers.