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FHA loans in Sterling, IL

Quick answer

The 2026 FHA loan limit in Sterling, IL (Whiteside County) is $541,287 for a single-family home, enough for a purchase price up to about $560,000 with 3.5% down. On the $107,800 median home value, that down payment is about $3,773 and the estimated payment is $1,074/month at 7.18%, which needs roughly $47,000 a year in income.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsData last updated

Median household income: $52,647; value-to-income ratio 2.05. Sterling ranks 203 by home value and 168 by population among 224 places in our IL dataset.

What does an FHA loan cost on a typical Sterling home?

ItemSterling
Median home value (Census ACS)$107,800
Illinois median home value$250,500
Down payment (3.5%)$3,773
Loan incl. 1.75% upfront MIP$105,847
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$1,074
Income needed (28% / 36%)$47,000 / $36,000
Whiteside County 2026 FHA limit (1 unit)$541,287
Max purchase price at the limit$560,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Payment includes Illinois's 2.07% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,480/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and 0.55% annual FHA MIP.

What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Sterling?

Sterling is in Whiteside County where HUD's 2026 one-unit FHA limit is $541,287. With the minimum 3.5% down, that caps the purchase price at about $560,000; above that you'd need a bigger down payment or a conventional loan (conforming limit $832,750).

The Sterling median home value of $107,800 is 57% below the Illinois median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can Sterling buyers use?

FHA loans in nearby cities

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FHA loan FAQs for Sterling

Sterling is in Whiteside County, where HUD's 2026 FHA limit for a one-unit home is $541,287. With 3.5% down, that supports a purchase price up to about $560,000.

3.5% of $107,800 is about $3,773 with a 580+ credit score (10%, or $10,780, with a 500–579 score), plus closing costs.

At the $107,800 median value (below the Illinois median of $250,500), the estimated payment of $1,074/month at 7.18% needs about $47,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $36,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 1 statewide programs are verified for this city (1 total). Check each official administrator's eligibility rules and available funds.

Sources

Data last updated October 23, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.