USDA Eligibility Calculator: Do You Qualify for a Zero-Down Loan?
A USDA loan offers zero down payment, but you have to clear two gates: the property has to be in an eligible area, and your household income has to be under the limit for your county. This calculator helps you check both. Most people are surprised on both counts, far more locations qualify than expected, and the income limits are higher than most assume.
The location test
USDA eligibility covers roughly 97% of U.S. land area, including many suburbs people would never call "rural." It's determined by your exact property address, not your zip code. Communities on the edges of metro areas frequently qualify. If you've written off USDA because you didn't think your target neighborhood counts, our property eligibility guide explains how to actually check.
The income test
USDA is means-tested, so there's an income ceiling, but it's more generous than people expect. For 2026, the limit is $112,450 for a 1-4 person household in most areas, higher in high-cost counties. Critically, it counts your entire household's income (including earning adults not on the loan), and it allows deductions for dependents and childcare that can bring you under. Our income limits guide breaks down exactly how it's calculated.
Why USDA is worth the eligibility check
If you clear both tests, USDA is often the cheapest loan available: zero down, a lower upfront fee than FHA (1% vs. 1.75%), and a lower annual fee (0.35% vs. 0.55%). Very few lenders and brokers offer USDA well, so a lot of eligible buyers never even find out they qualify. Our full USDA loan page covers the whole program, and if you're weighing it against FHA, the USDA vs. FHA comparison shows which is cheaper.
