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First-time home buyer programs in St. Helens, OR

Quick answer

First-time buyers in St. Helens, OR can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 Columbia County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible. On the $350,900 median home, 3% down is about $10,527 and the estimated payment is $2,774/month at 7.18%.

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

Median household income: $82,123; value-to-income ratio 4.27. St. Helens ranks 49 by home value and 47 by population among 68 places in our OR dataset.

What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical St. Helens home?

ItemSt. Helens
Median home value (Census ACS)$350,900
Oregon median home value$454,200
Down payment (3%)$10,527
Loan amount$340,373
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$2,774
Income needed (28% / 36%)$119,000 / $93,000
Columbia 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 Oregon's 0.83% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,003/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in St. Helens?

St. Helens is in Columbia County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $701,500.

The St. Helens median home value of $350,900 is 23% below the Oregon median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can St. Helens 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

BethanyOak HillsCedar MillPortlandHillsboroAloha

First-time buyer loan FAQs for St. Helens

On the $350,900 median: 3% conventional ≈ $10,527, 3.5% FHA ≈ $12,282, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in Columbia County become jumbo loans.

At the $350,900 median value (below the Oregon median of $454,200), the estimated payment of $2,774/month at 7.18% needs about $119,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $93,000 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.