• USDA loans are government-backed mortgages designed to promote homeownership in eligible rural and suburban areas.
• A major benefit for qualified borrowers is the ability to purchase a home with no down payment.
• Eligibility is determined by the property’s location, the borrower’s income and the home being a primary residence.

While homebuyers often focus on conventional and FHA mortgages, USDA loans can provide another path to homeownership for those looking to live outside the city. Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this mortgage option exists to support homeownership and economic development in eligible rural communities.

Despite the name, USDA loans aren’t just for farmers or remote properties. Eligible areas can include small towns and some suburban communities. For qualified borrowers, one of the biggest benefits is the ability to finance a home with no down payment. Understanding what a USDA loan is and how it works can help you determine whether this solution fits your location, income and goals.

What is a USDA loan?

A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage program designed to encourage low- to moderate-income homeownership in eligible rural and suburban areas. Most USDA mortgages are issued by approved private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The government guarantee reduces lender risk, allowing qualified borrowers to purchase eligible homes with no down payment and potentially flexible qualification requirements.

How do USDA loans work?

Borrowers apply for a USDA home loan through an approved private lender. The lender will evaluate the borrower’s income, credit, debts and other financial information, as with other mortgage types. The property itself must meet USDA location and eligibility requirements.

Qualified borrowers may finance up to 100% of an eligible home’s purchase price. The USDA guarantees 90% of the mortgage, which reduces the lender’s risk. Borrowers then repay the loan through monthly payments that generally include principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and applicable USDA fees, which can change annually and are set at the time of closing.

Types of USDA home loans

The USDA offers several housing programs, each serving different types of borrowers and purposes.

USDA Guaranteed Loan

The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program is the most common type of USDA mortgage. Approved private lenders issue the loans, while the USDA provides a government guarantee that reduces lender risk.

USDA Direct Loan

USDA Direct Loans are issued directly by the government and primarily serve qualifying low- and very-low-income borrowers. Income and other eligibility requirements differ from those of the guaranteed loan program.

USDA Home Improvement Loans and Grants 

The USDA also offers loans and grants to help low-income homeowners in qualifying rural areas repair, improve or modernize their homes. The program is separate from USDA home purchase loans and has its own eligibility requirements.

Who qualifies for a USDA loan?

USDA loan eligibility is determined by the borrower’s finances, income, use of the home and its location.

Location requirements

The home must be in a USDA-eligible area. While the program is intended for rural properties, many small towns and some suburban areas qualify. 

Income limits

Income limits vary by state, but the program is focused on assisting low- to moderate-income households, based on location and household size. 

Citizenship and residency requirements

Borrowers must be United States citizens, non-citizen nationals or qualified aliens to qualify for a USDA mortgage loan.

Credit and financial requirements

For the Guaranteed Loan Program, borrowers must have an income that does not exceed 115% of the area’s median income based on household size. Lenders also usually require a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 41%.

Primary residence requirement

USDA home loans aren’t available for vacation homes or investment properties and are only eligible for primary-residence funding in which the borrower lives in the home. 

Where can USDA loans be used?

USDA loans might be available in more areas than you think. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that USDA loans are only for farms or agricultural properties. In reality, the program supports everyday homebuyers purchasing primary residences in eligible rural and suburban areas,” says John Hummel, Head of Home Lending Production at U.S. Bank.

Buyers can check a property’s address using the USDA’s eligibility location page.

How much can you borrow with a USDA loan?

USDA guaranteed loans don’t have a single nationwide maximum loan amount. Instead, borrowing capacity depends largely on your income, existing debts, ability to repay and the lender’s specific requirements. It’s important to understand that because the lender is protected, the amount you qualify to borrow isn’t necessarily the amount you can comfortably afford.

What costs are involved with a USDA loan?

USDA loans can reduce the amount of cash needed upfront, but it’s still necessary to account for all of the home-buying and ongoing housing expenses.

• No down payment requirement: No down payment is required for USDA loan applicants, though you can put money down to help reduce overall costs. 
• USDA guarantee fees: While mortgage insurance isn’t required, borrowers will pay an upfront guarantee fee and an ongoing annual fee. Current rates are 1% of the loan amount due at closing and 0.35% annually, divided into monthly payments. 
• Closing costs: Lender fees, title services and other transaction expenses, including the upfront USDA guarantee payment, are due at closing, some of which can be rolled into the loan. These costs generally range from 2% to 5% of the property’s purchase price. 
• Property taxes: Buyers must pay annual property taxes using an escrow account through the lender. 
• Homeowners insurance: Homeowners must maintain adequate insurance to cover the property and manage payments through an escrow account. 

Benefits and drawbacks of USDA loans

USDA financing can make homeownership more accessible, but there are restrictions to consider when determining whether it’s the right choice for your needs. 

Pros

• No down payment is required, though buyers can put money down if desired
• Competitive interest rates available compared to other mortgage types
• Flexible qualifying requirements based on income and household size
• Accessible path to homeownership for low- to moderate-income buyers
• Potentially lower upfront cash requirements
• Many suburban and rural properties qualify

Cons

• Geographic restrictions limit availability to certain areas
• Income limits restrict household income to 115% of the area’s median
• The home must serve as the buyer’s primary residence. 
• Guarantee fees due at closing and ongoing
• Longer processing times in some situations 

USDA loan vs. FHA loan

USDA and FHA loans are both government-backed mortgage options. However, eligibility requirements differ significantly.

USDA loan	FHA loan
Down payment requirements	0%	3.5% or 10%
Income limits	115% of area’s median	No universal maximum income limit
Geographic restrictions	USDA-eligible rural areas	No geographic restrictions
Mortgage insurance or guarantee fees	Upfront guarantee fee and annual fee (currently 1% and 0.35%)	Upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums (1.75% and varying)
Credit requirements	No minimum credit score (640+ recommended)	500+ / 580 for lower down payment amount
Typical borrower profile	Buyers with limited savings in rural or suburban areas	Buyers with limited savings or lower credit

USDA loan vs. conventional loan

USDA loans can reduce upfront cash requirements, while conventional mortgages provide more flexibility in where a property is and how it’s used. 

USDA loan	Conventional loan
Down payment requirements	0%	3%+
Mortgage insurance	No mortgage insurance required, USDA fees apply (currently 1% and 0.35%)	Generally required with less than 20% down
Eligibility restrictions	Income and location restrictions apply	Credit score, down payment and debt-to-income requirements
Borrower flexibility	Home must serve as primary residence	Available for primary residency, vacation or investment properties
Typical qualification requirements	Must meet USDA and lender requirements	Requirements vary by lender and loan program

Who should consider a USDA loan?

According to Hummel, “USDA loans can be well-suited for households purchasing in smaller communities or suburban areas that qualify as USDA-eligible, where home prices may be more affordable but financing flexibility is still important. USDA loans can also be attractive to buyers who have stable income but limited savings for a down payment, particularly first-time buyers trying to enter the market.”

When a USDA loan may not be the best fit

While USDA loans work in many unexpected cases, they’re not available in most urban areas. Other situations where they may not be the best fit include when the buyer’s income substantially exceeds the location’s median income range, or when the buyer is looking to purchase a second home or investment property. 

Buyers able to make a significant down payment or those with high credit scores may also find more favorable terms using other mortgage types. 

How to apply for a USDA loan

Applying for a USDA-guaranteed loan requires confirming that both you and the property meet program requirements.

• Step 1: Confirm property eligibility by location
• Step 2: Review income requirements by state
• Step 3: Check your credit, income, debts and savings to identify potential issues before applying.
• Step 4: Compare multiple lenders, as rates, fees and qualification requirements vary.
• Step 5: Get preapproved to help estimate your borrowing capacity and identify potential qualification issues.
• Step 6: Apply and submit the required financial and property documentation. 

Common USDA loan misconceptions

Misconceptions sometimes lead homebuyers to overlook USDA financing as an option. Here are some of the more common ones: 

• USDA loans are only for farmers: The program doesn’t require borrowers to work in agriculture.
• USDA loans are only for very low-income borrowers: Low- to moderate-income households can be eligible, while Direct Loans primarily serve lower-income borrowers.
• Eligible areas are extremely rural: Many small towns and suburban communities qualify for the programs.
• USDA loans require perfect credit: While a 640 credit score can help avoid further review, there are no set minimum credit-score requirements. 
• USDA loans are difficult to qualify for: Income and location restrictions exist, but many who meet program and lender requirements may qualify.

Bottom line

USDA loans can provide qualified homebuyers with a path to homeownership without a down payment. However, income limits, geographic restrictions and guarantee fees make the program a better fit for some buyers than others. Checking your eligibility and comparing USDA financing with other mortgage options can help you choose the one that best fits your situation. 

What is a USDA loan and how does it work FAQs

Do USDA loans require a down payment?

Qualified borrowers can generally finance 100% of an eligible home’s purchase price with a USDA loan, meaning no traditional down payment is required. Closing costs and other expenses will still apply.

Who qualifies for a USDA loan?

Applicants and the property must meet certain requirements, including household income, location, the borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage and that the home will serve as the primary residence. Individual lender requirements will also apply. 

Are USDA loans only for rural areas?

USDA loans are limited to eligible locations, but those areas aren’t necessarily remote. Many rural communities, small towns and suburban areas may qualify.

What credit score is needed for a USDA loan?

While there are no official credit score requirements to obtain a USDA loan, individual lenders generally evaluate your overall credit history and ability to repay. For Guaranteed loans, having a credit score of 640 or higher can help avoid a potential full credit review. 

Do USDA loans have income limits?

USDA loans have household income limits that vary based on household size and the median income amounts by location. Buyers should check current USDA requirements before applying.

Is a USDA loan better than an FHA loan?

Neither is universally better. USDA loans may offer zero-down financing for eligible borrowers and properties, while FHA loans have broader geographic availability and different credit and income requirements.