How do I check USDA property eligibility in Texas?

Visit the USDA Property Eligibility Map at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov, select Property Eligibility, choose Texas, and enter the property address. Eligible areas appear unshaded on the map. Final eligibility is confirmed after a full application review.

What are the USDA income limits in Texas for 2026?

USDA income limits vary by county but are generally approximately $119,850 per year for a 1–4 person household and $158,250 for a 5–8 person household. Certain deductions may reduce your adjusted household income. Check the USDA eligibility site for your specific county.

Do USDA loans require a down payment?

No. USDA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment required, making them one of the few mortgage programs that allow buyers to finance the full purchase price.

What credit score do I need for a USDA loan in Texas?

Most lenders require a credit score of 620 or higher for USDA loan approval. The USDA program has more flexible credit guidelines than conventional loans.

What areas in Texas qualify for USDA loans?

Approximately 95% of Texas land qualifies for USDA financing. Core urban areas of major cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio may be ineligible, but many surrounding suburbs, smaller cities, and rural communities qualify. Always verify a specific address on the USDA eligibility map.

Does USDA require mortgage insurance?

USDA loans do not require traditional private mortgage insurance (PMI). Instead they include a 1.00% upfront guarantee fee (which can be financed into the loan) and a 0.35% annual fee paid monthly — both significantly lower than FHA mortgage insurance.

USDA Loans in Texas: Eligibility, Maps & Income Limits (2026 Guide)

USDA home loans are one of the most powerful mortgage options for eligible buyers in rural and many suburban areas of Texas — offering 0% down payment, competitive rates, and flexible qualification criteria. But to qualify, you must meet property location and income limits set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This guide explains how USDA eligibility works in Texas, how to use the property eligibility map, and what income limits mean for your household in 2026.

What Is a USDA Home Loan?

A USDA home loan (also known as a USDA Rural Development loan) is a government-backed mortgage designed to help low- and moderate-income households own a home in eligible rural areas with no down payment and affordable fixed-rate financing.

Types of USDA Loans

Guaranteed USDA Loans — Most common, offered by approved lenders with USDA backing.
Direct USDA Loans — Directly funded by USDA for very low-income buyers with payment assistance.

Texas USDA Property Eligibility

To qualify for a USDA loan, the property must be located in an area designated as eligible rural or suburban by the USDA. This doesn’t mean you have to live “in the country” — many small towns and edge-of-town suburbs are USDA-approved.

The official USDA eligibility map lets you search by address to verify whether a specific property qualifies for USDA financing. Final eligibility determination is made after application.

Example: About 95% of Texas land qualifies for USDA loans. Core parts of major metros like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio may be ineligible — but nearby suburbs and smaller cities often qualify.

How USDA Defines “Rural”

Generally, areas with a population of 20,000 or fewer qualify as rural
Some areas near metropolitan borders remain eligible
Final eligibility is confirmed after entering the address on the USDA map

→ Check Property Eligibility on the USDA Map

USDA Income Limits in Texas (2026)

Income limits are a key part of USDA eligibility. The program is intended for low- to moderate-income buyers, so your total household income must fall below the USDA’s limit based on your area and household size.

Standard USDA income limits in many Texas counties for 2026:

Household of 1–4 people: up to approximately $119,850/year
Household of 5–8 people: up to approximately $158,250/year

These figures represent the baseline for many locations and are based on USDA’s calculation of 115% of the local median income. Actual limits vary by county — some Texas counties have higher or lower limits depending on local cost of living.

Important: Income is the combined gross income of all adult household members. USDA also allows certain deductions that can reduce your adjusted household income.

How USDA Income Eligibility Works

Your total household income cannot exceed the USDA limit for your area and household size. The USDA calculates projected income for the next 12 months based on recent pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation.

You may be able to deduct specific expenses from your gross income, such as:

Childcare costs for children under a certain age
Medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members
Other qualifying deductions per USDA guidelines

These deductions can help bring an otherwise over-limit household income into the eligible range.

USDA Loan Requirements in Texas

No down payment required — 100% financing available
Primary residence only — no vacation homes or investment properties
Meet income eligibility — based on household size and county limits
Debt-to-income ratio typically under ~41%
Credit score generally 620 or higher with most lenders
Property must meet USDA property standards (safety, sanitation, structure)

How to Check USDA Eligibility for a Texas Property

Here’s how to confirm whether a home is USDA-eligible:

Visit the USDA Property Eligibility Map
Select Property Eligibility and choose Texas as the state
Enter the property address to see if it falls in an eligible rural or suburban zone
Eligible areas are shown as unshaded on the map; ineligible areas are shaded

This check is the first step before submitting a formal mortgage application. Final eligibility is determined once a USDA-approved lender reviews the full application.

Benefits of USDA Loans in Texas

Zero down payment — no need to save thousands upfront
Competitive interest rates — often lower than conventional programs
Flexible credit requirements relative to conventional loans
No private mortgage insurance (PMI) — only a low USDA guarantee fee
Eligible for new or existing homes that meet property standards

Ready to Check Your USDA Eligibility in Texas?

Before you fall in love with a property, let’s confirm whether it qualifies for USDA financing. I can help you verify property eligibility, calculate your income limits, and guide you through every step from application to closing.

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Your path to 0% down homeownership in rural or suburban Texas starts here.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a loan approval or commitment to lend. USDA eligibility, income limits, and program requirements may change annually. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Wayne Wallace, NMLS #745186 • Homewood Mortgage, LLC • NMLS #294974.