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First-time home buyer programs in West Plains, MO

Quick answer

First-time buyers in West Plains, MO can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 Howell County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible. On the $158,700 median home, 3% down is about $4,761 and the estimated payment is $1,355/month at 7.18%.

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

Median household income: $39,897; value-to-income ratio 3.98. West Plains ranks 62 by home value and 75 by population among 87 places in our MO dataset.

What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical West Plains home?

ItemWest Plains
Median home value (Census ACS)$158,700
Missouri median home value$215,600
Down payment (3%)$4,761
Loan amount$153,939
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$1,355
Income needed (28% / 36%)$59,000 / $46,000
Howell 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 Missouri's 0.88% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,589/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in West Plains?

West Plains is in Howell County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $541,287.

The West Plains median home value of $158,700 is 26% below the Missouri median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can West Plains buyers use?

No applicable programs have been verified for this city yet. Check the state housing finance agency for current assistance.

First-time buyer loans in nearby cities

OzarkLebanonBransonPoplar BluffNixaRolla

First-time buyer loan FAQs for West Plains

On the $158,700 median: 3% conventional ≈ $4,761, 3.5% FHA ≈ $5,555, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in Howell County become jumbo loans.

At the $158,700 median value (below the Missouri median of $215,600), the estimated payment of $1,355/month at 7.18% needs about $59,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $46,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 0 statewide programs are verified for this city (0 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.