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Loan type · figures checked October 2026

USDA loan

A mortgage backed by the US Department of Agriculture for homes in eligible rural and some suburban areas, with income limits.

Down payment
Often 0%
Credit score
Set by lenders
Mortgage insurance
Upfront and annual guarantee fees
Best for
Moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas
USDA loan

Photo: Richard West, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pros

  • Often no down payment
  • Guarantee fees are lower than FHA mortgage insurance

Cons

  • The home must be in an eligible area
  • Household income limits apply
  • For your primary home only

Good to know

  • Check whether an address is eligible on the USDA’s property eligibility map.
  • Income limits vary by county and household size.
Mortgage calculatorSee the monthly payment with taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance

Loan rules and limits change. Confirm current terms with lenders. Not financial advice.

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