Median household income: $73,055; value-to-income ratio 3.84. Saint Paul ranks 69 by home value and 2 by population among 101 places in our MN dataset.
What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical Saint Paul home?
| Item | Saint Paul |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Census ACS) | $280,300 |
| Minnesota median home value | $305,500 |
| Down payment (3%) | $8,409 |
| Loan amount | $271,891 |
| Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI) | $2,364 |
| Income needed (28% / 36%) | $102,000 / $79,000 |
| Ramsey County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit) | $832,750 |
| Max purchase price at the limit | $858,000 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
Payment includes Minnesota's 1.04% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,988/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.
What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Saint Paul?
Saint Paul is in Ramsey County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $552,000.
The Saint Paul median home value of $280,300 is 8% below the Minnesota median, and within what the county limit supports.
Which down payment assistance programs can Saint Paul buyers use?
- Inheritance Fund (Rondo and West Side Flats) — Up to $110,000 ($50,000-$100,000 plus $10,000 for purchases in historic Rondo/West Side); assistance (see official terms); city-level. City of Saint Paul Planning and Economic Development · Verified October 25, 2026
- Minnesota Housing Deferred Payment Loan Plus — Up to $18,000; deferred; state-level. Minnesota Housing · Verified October 23, 2026
- Minnesota Housing Monthly Payment Loan — Up to $14,000; second_mortgage; state-level. Minnesota Housing · Verified October 23, 2026
First-time buyer loans in nearby cities
First-time buyer loan FAQs for Saint Paul
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- City of Saint Paul Planning and Economic Development — Inheritance Fund (Rondo and West Side Flats)
- Minnesota Housing — Minnesota Housing Deferred Payment Loan Plus
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
Get matched with First-time buyer lenders in Saint Paul
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.