Public Housing

Affordable rental housing owned and operated by Dakota County CDA for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Modern affordable housing community

About the Program

The Public Housing program provides decent, safe, and sanitary housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Dakota County CDA owns and manages these properties, and rent is based on your household income.

Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families. The CDA manages approximately 400 public housing units throughout Dakota County.

Program Benefits

  • Income-Based Rent

    You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities.

  • Utilities Often Included

    Many units include heat, water, sewer, and garbage in the rent amount.

  • On-Site Maintenance

    CDA staff handle all maintenance requests and repairs at no additional cost.

  • Safe Communities

    Well-maintained properties in established neighborhoods throughout Dakota County.

  • No Security Deposit

    Move in without the burden of a large security deposit.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for public housing, you must meet the following criteria:

Income Limits

Your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Current income limits for Dakota County are:

Household Size Annual Income Limit
1 Person $54,950
2 Persons $62,800
3 Persons $70,650
4 Persons $78,500
5 Persons $84,800
6 Persons $91,100

*Income limits are updated annually. Contact us for current figures.

Other Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
  • Pass criminal background check
  • Satisfactory rental history
  • Household size appropriate for unit size

How to Apply

Review the income limits above to determine if your household qualifies. Gather information about all household members' income sources.

You will need:

  • Government-issued photo ID for all adults
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Birth certificates for all children
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
  • Rental history and landlord references

Applications can be submitted:

  • Online: Through our Housing Portal
  • In Person: At our office during business hours
  • By Mail: Download and mail the application

After your application is submitted:

  • Your application will be reviewed for completeness
  • Your eligibility will be verified
  • You will be placed on the waiting list based on preference points and date/time of application
  • You will receive written notification of your status

Our Properties

Dakota County CDA manages public housing properties in several locations throughout the county:

Eastview Townhomes exterior

Eastview Townhomes

Eagan, MN

Family housing with 2-4 bedroom townhomes

2-4 BR Townhomes
River Hills Family apartments

River Hills Family

Burnsville, MN

Family apartments near schools and parks

1-3 BR Apartments
Lakeside Commons housing

Lakeside Commons

Apple Valley, MN

Mixed family and accessible units

1-4 BR Mixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait times vary based on unit size, location preference, and priority status. Current estimated wait times range from 12-24 months. Families with certain preferences or needs may have shorter or longer waits.

You may indicate location preferences on your application. However, accepting a unit when offered is important. Declining multiple offers may result in removal from the waiting list.

Pet policies vary by property. Some locations allow small pets with a pet deposit. Service animals and assistance animals are permitted at all properties with proper documentation.

You must report all income changes within 10 days. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income increases, your rent may increase. If your income decreases, your rent may decrease.