What are the USDA income limits for 2026?

USDA income limits for 2026 vary by county and household size. The standard limits are: 1-4 person household — $112,450 (most counties). 5-8 person household — $148,450 (most counties). High-cost areas have higher limits, up to $153,500 for 1-4 persons. USDA income limits are based on 115% of the area median income (AMI). The limits apply to total household income — meaning ALL adults in the home, not just the borrower. USDA updates these limits annually, typically in June.

How do I check USDA income limits for my county?

To check USDA income limits for your specific county: (1) Visit the USDA eligibility website at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov. (2) Select "Single Family Housing" then "Income Eligibility". (3) Enter your state, county, and household size. (4) The tool shows both "low income" limits (for direct loans) and "moderate income" limits (for guaranteed loans — most common). The guaranteed loan program (Section 502) has higher income limits and is the most popular USDA loan option. You can also call USDA at 1-800-670-6553.

Does USDA count all household income?

Yes, USDA counts the income of ALL adult household members (18+), not just the borrowers on the loan. This includes: spouse income (even if not on the loan), adult children living at home who work, elderly parents with Social Security/pension income, and any other adult earning income in the home. However, you CAN deduct: childcare costs for children under 12, disability-related expenses, elderly household member deduction ($480/person 62+), and medical expenses for elderly members above 3% of gross income. These deductions can bring you under the limit.

What happens if I make too much for USDA?

If your household income exceeds USDA limits, consider these alternatives: (1) FHA loan — no income limit, 3.5% down with 580+ credit. (2) Conventional 97 — 3% down, no income limit for HomeReady/Home Possible (income limit applies for these specific programs). (3) VA loan — 0% down for veterans, no income limit. (4) State down payment assistance — may have higher income limits than USDA. (5) Reduce household income — if adult children can move out or file separately. USDA looks at projected annual income, so temporary income spikes may not disqualify you if your normal income is lower.

What areas qualify for USDA loans in 2026?

USDA loans are available in rural and suburban areas with populations under 35,000. Surprisingly, about 97% of US land area qualifies — including many suburbs near major cities. Areas that typically qualify: suburbs 15-30+ miles from city centers, small towns, rural communities, and some surprisingly close-in suburbs. Areas that DO NOT qualify: major metropolitan centers, cities with 35,000+ population. Check eligibility at the USDA property eligibility map: eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov. Many buyers are surprised to find their desired neighborhood qualifies.

UPDATED APRIL 2026

USDA Income Limits 2026 by County: Complete Eligibility Guide

USDA loans offer 0% down payment — but you must meet income limits. Standard limit: $112,450 for 1-4 person households. Check your county below and learn how to qualify even if you think you earn too much.

$112K

Standard Limit (1-4)

$148K

Standard Limit (5-8)

Down Payment

97%

US Land Eligible

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Sarah Mitchell

Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist

April 5, 202613 minExpert

VA LoansFHA LoansFirst-Time Buyer Programs

Quick Answer: 2026 USDA Income Limits

1-4 person household: $112,450 (most counties). 5-8 person household: $148,450. High-cost areas: Up to $153,500 (1-4 persons). These are for the USDA Guaranteed Loan program (Section 502), which is the most common. Limits are based on 115% of area median income and include ALL adults in the household, not just the borrowers. Check your exact county limit on USDA.gov →

2026 USDA Income Limits: Standard vs High-Cost

Household Size	Standard Areas	High-Cost Areas	Examples
1 person	$112,450	$153,500	Single buyer
2 persons	$112,450	$153,500	Married couple, no kids
3 persons	$112,450	$153,500	Couple + 1 child
4 persons	$112,450	$153,500	Family of 4
5 persons	$148,450	$202,600	Family of 5
6 persons	$148,450	$202,600	Family of 6
7 persons	$148,450	$202,600	Large family
8 persons	$148,450	$202,600	Extended family

High-cost areas include parts of California, Virginia (NoVA), Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska. Most of the US uses standard limits.

USDA Income Limits by State: 15 Most Popular

State	1-4 Person Limit	5-8 Person Limit	High-Cost?	Top USDA County
Alabama	$112,450	$148,450	No	Shelby County
California	$136,600-$153,500	$180,300-$202,600	Yes	San Joaquin, Riverside
Florida	$112,450-$130,200	$148,450-$171,850	Some	Pasco, Hernando
Georgia	$112,450	$148,450	No	Bartow, Cherokee (parts)
Illinois	$112,450-$127,300	$148,450-$168,000	Some	DeKalb, Kendall
Indiana	$112,450	$148,450	No	Hancock, Johnson
Michigan	$112,450	$148,450	No	Livingston, Lapeer
Missouri	$112,450	$148,450	No	Franklin, Warren
North Carolina	$112,450-$121,800	$148,450-$160,750	Some	Johnston, Chatham
Ohio	$112,450	$148,450	No	Medina, Lorain
Pennsylvania	$112,450-$127,300	$148,450-$168,000	Some	Lebanon, Lancaster
Tennessee	$112,450-$121,800	$148,450-$160,750	Some	Robertson, Wilson
Texas	$112,450-$130,200	$148,450-$171,850	Some	Kaufman, Ellis
Virginia	$112,450-$153,500	$148,450-$202,600	Yes (NoVA)	Stafford, Spotsylvania
Washington	$127,300-$153,500	$168,000-$202,600	Yes	Thurston, Lewis

How USDA Calculates Household Income

IMPORTANT: USDA Counts ALL Adults

Unlike FHA or conventional loans, USDA counts the income of every adult (18+) living in the home — even if they are not on the mortgage application. This catches many buyers off guard.

Income INCLUDED:

✅ Both spouses' income
✅ Adult children (18+) working
✅ Elderly parents with SS/pension
✅ Part-time and seasonal income
✅ Self-employment income
✅ Alimony/child support received

Deductions ALLOWED:

✅ $480/person for dependents under 18
✅ $480/person for elderly (62+) members
✅ $480/person for disabled members
✅ Childcare costs (under 12)
✅ Medical expenses (elderly, above 3% income)
✅ Disability-related expenses

Real Example: Family of 4, $118,000 Gross Income

Gross household income: $118,000 (over the $112,450 limit!)
Minus: 2 dependent children deduction: -$960
Minus: Childcare costs: -$6,000/year
Adjusted USDA income: $111,040 → UNDER THE LIMIT! ✅

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Over the USDA Income Limit? 4 Best Alternatives

FHA Loan

3.5%

Down

No limit

Income

580+

Credit

Best for first-time buyers. MIP required.

Compare FHA Loan rates →

Conventional 97

Down

No limit

Income

620+

Credit

Best for buyers with good credit. PMI drops at 20% equity.

Compare Conventional 97 rates →

VA Loan

Down

No limit

Income

No min

Credit

Veterans only. No PMI, no down payment.

Compare VA Loan rates →

State DPA + Conventional

0-3%

Down

Varies

Income

620+

Credit

Combine state grants with low-down conventional.

Compare State DPA + Conventional rates →

Related USDA Guides

USDA Loans by State 2026

USDA Zero Down Guide 2026

USDA Home Improvement Loans

Meet Sarah

Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist

12+ years Experience45+ ArticlesNMLS Licensed

Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.

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