Median household income: $103,430; value-to-income ratio 3.35. Johnston ranks 2 by home value and 22 by population among 42 places in our IA dataset.
What does an FHA loan cost on a typical Johnston home?
| Item | Johnston |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Census ACS) | $346,200 |
| Iowa median home value | $195,900 |
| Down payment (3.5%) | $12,117 |
| Loan incl. 1.75% upfront MIP | $339,929 |
| Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI) | $2,979 |
| Income needed (28% / 36%) | $128,000 / $100,000 |
| Polk 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 Iowa's 1.43% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,342/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and 0.55% annual FHA MIP.
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Johnston?
Johnston is in Polk 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 Johnston median home value of $346,200 is 77% above the Iowa median, and within what the county limit supports.
Which down payment assistance programs can Johnston buyers use?
- Iowa Finance Authority 2nd Loan Program — Up to 5% of the home's sale price or appraised value (whichever is lower), with no maximum; deferred; state-level. Iowa Finance Authority · Verified October 23, 2026
- FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant — $2,500 grant; grant; state-level. Iowa Finance Authority · Verified October 23, 2026
FHA loans in nearby cities
FHA loan FAQs for Johnston
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
- HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- Iowa Finance Authority — Iowa Finance Authority 2nd Loan Program
- Iowa Finance Authority — FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
Get matched with FHA lenders in Johnston
Answer a few quick questions and get matched with purchase mortgage lenders in your area. Free, and it won't affect your credit score.
Get My MatchesFigures 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.