Median household income: $55,578; value-to-income ratio 2.59. St. Joseph ranks 71 by home value and 8 by population among 87 places in our MO dataset.
What does an FHA loan cost on a typical St. Joseph home?
| Item | St. Joseph |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Census ACS) | $144,200 |
| Missouri median home value | $215,600 |
| Down payment (3.5%) | $5,047 |
| Loan incl. 1.75% upfront MIP | $141,588 |
| Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI) | $1,261 |
| Income needed (28% / 36%) | $55,000 / $43,000 |
| Buchanan 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 Missouri's 0.88% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,589/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and 0.55% annual FHA MIP.
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in St. Joseph?
St. Joseph is in Buchanan 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 St. Joseph median home value of $144,200 is 33% below the Missouri median, and within what the county limit supports.
Which down payment assistance programs can St. Joseph buyers use?
No applicable programs have been verified for this city yet. Check the state housing finance agency for current assistance.
FHA loans in nearby cities
FHA loan FAQs for St. Joseph
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
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
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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.