USDA Eligibility Tool

Loan Program Options

Use this official USDA eligibility tool to check if a property falls within an approved rural area and to determine your household’s income qualification for USDA-backed loans. This can help you quickly assess whether a USDA loan may be an option for your home financing needs.

Check USDA Eligibility by Clicking Here


Use this tool to:

  • Verify if a property address qualifies for USDA financing based on rural location guidelines.
  • Input your household size and income to see if you meet income requirements for USDA loan programs.
  • Access detailed maps and results based on USDA’s most current data and eligibility criteria.

USDA Loan Eligibility and Features


USDA loans have specific eligibility requirements and benefits that set them apart from other mortgage options. Understanding these details helps borrowers determine if a USDA loan is the right fit.


USDA Loan Eligibility

To qualify for a USDA loan, borrowers must meet the following criteria:


  • The property must be located in a USDA-designated rural or suburban area (eligibility can be checked through the USDA property lookup tool).
  • Borrowers must meet income limits, which vary by location and household size. Generally, household income cannot exceed 115% of the area’s median income.
  • A minimum credit score of 640 is recommended for streamlined approval, but lower scores may qualify with additional underwriting.
  • Borrowers must demonstrate stable employment and a reliable income source.
  • Types of USDA Loans
  • USDA loans come in two primary types, each serving different borrower needs:

USDA Guaranteed Loan: Backed by the USDA and issued by approved lenders, this loan is designed for low-to-moderate-income borrowers.


USDA Direct Loan: Issued directly by the USDA for very low-income borrowers, this loan offers subsidized interest rates to make homeownership even more affordable.


Mortgage Insurance and Fees

While USDA loans do not require a down payment, they include mortgage insurance fees:


Upfront Guarantee Fee: Typically 1% of the loan amount, paid at closing (can be rolled into the loan).


Annual Fee: Typically 0.35% of the loan balance, included in monthly payments.


USDA loans have lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA loans, making them more affordable long-term.


Who Should Consider a USDA Loan?

USDA loans are a great option for:


  1. Homebuyers in eligible rural or suburban areas looking for affordable housing options.
  2. Borrowers with limited savings who want to buy a home with no down payment.
  3. Moderate-income families seeking lower monthly payments and reduced mortgage insurance costs.

With zero down payment requirements, flexible eligibility, and low mortgage costs, USDA loans are a valuable resource for buyers in rural and suburban communities looking to achieve affordable homeownership.



Your Goals. Your Home. Your Brightside.

Home financing should feel empowering, not overwhelming. At Brightside Mortgage, we’re committed to helping you achieve homeownership with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. Let’s turn your homeownership dreams into reality—together.



Contact Us