USDA Loan Mortgage Calculator 2026: Free Tool + Complete Guide
Want to buy a home with $0 down payment? USDA loans make it possible for rural and suburban buyers! In 2026, USDA loans help 140,000+ families buy homes with no down payment, low rates (5.875%), and flexible credit (640+ score). This complete guide includes a free USDA loan calculator, eligibility requirements, income limits, and approved areas.
🏡 Quick Facts (January 2026)
- ✓0% down payment required (100% financing available)
- ✓Low rates: 5.875% (30-year fixed) - 0.25% lower than conventional
- ✓Fees: 1% upfront guarantee fee + 0.35% annual fee
- 📍Eligible areas: 97% of US land (rural + suburban)
USDA Loan Payment Calculator (2026 Rates)
Use this USDA loan calculator to estimate your monthly payment with 0% down. Includes upfront guarantee fee (1%) and annual fee (0.35%).
🧮 USDA Loan Calculator
📊 Estimated Monthly Payment
Upfront Guarantee Fee: $2,500 (1% of loan) - Can be financed into loan
💡 How USDA Fees Work
USDA loans have TWO fees that replace traditional PMI:
- 1.Upfront Guarantee Fee (1%): One-time fee of 1% of loan amount. On $250K loan = $2,500. Can be financed into loan (most borrowers do this).
- 2.Annual Fee (0.35%): Ongoing fee of 0.35% per year, divided by 12 months. On $250K loan = $875/year = $73/month. Lasts for life of loan.
Total USDA fees are LOWER than FHA MIP! USDA annual fee (0.35%) vs FHA MIP (0.55-0.85%). Plus USDA upfront fee (1%) vs FHA upfront MIP (1.75%).
USDA Loan Eligibility Requirements 2026
To qualify for a USDA loan with 0% down, you must meet these 5 requirements:
1. Property Location (Rural/Suburban)
Property must be in a USDA-eligible area (rural or suburban). Surprisingly, 97% of US land qualifies, including suburbs of major cities!
✅ Check Eligibility:
- • Visit eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov
- • Enter property address
- • See instant eligibility (green = eligible)
- • Most suburbs with population <35,000 qualify
2. Income Limits (115% of Area Median)
Household income must be ≤115% of area median income. Limits vary by county and household size.
2026 Income Limits (Examples):
- • 1-4 people: $103,500 (most areas) | $136,800 (high-cost)
- • 5-8 people: $136,600 (most areas) | $180,500 (high-cost)
- • Check your area: eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov
3. Credit Score (640+ Recommended)
USDA doesn't have an official minimum credit score, but most lenders require 640+ for automated underwriting.
Credit Requirements:
- • 640+ credit: Automated approval (fastest)
- • 580-639 credit: Manual underwriting (slower, stricter)
- • <580 credit: Very difficult to get approved
4. Debt-to-Income Ratio (41% Max)
Total DTI must be ≤41% (housing + all debts). USDA is stricter than FHA (50% max).
DTI Calculation:
- • Housing ratio: ≤29% (mortgage payment ÷ gross income)
- • Total DTI: ≤41% (all debts ÷ gross income)
- • Example: $5,000/month income = max $2,050 total debts
5. Primary Residence Only
Property must be your primary residence. No investment properties, vacation homes, or second homes.
Occupancy Rules:
- • Must move in within 60 days of closing
- • Must live there as primary residence
- • Cannot rent out the property
- • Single-family homes, townhomes, condos eligible
Ready to Buy with $0 Down?
Get pre-approved for a USDA loan with 0% down payment. Check your eligibility, compare rates, and start your homeownership journey today.
Get Pre-Approved for USDA Loan →