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First-time home buyer programs in McAllen, TX

Quick answer

First-time buyers in McAllen, TX can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 Hidalgo County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible. On the $173,800 median home, 3% down is about $5,214 and the estimated payment is $1,680/month at 7.18%.

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

Median household income: $60,165; value-to-income ratio 2.89. McAllen ranks 196 by home value and 23 by population among 267 places in our TX dataset.

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

ItemMcAllen
Median home value (Census ACS)$173,800
Texas median home value$260,400
Down payment (3%)$5,214
Loan amount$168,586
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$1,680
Income needed (28% / 36%)$72,000 / $56,000
Hidalgo 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 Texas's 1.58% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $2,864/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in McAllen?

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

The McAllen median home value of $173,800 is 33% below the Texas median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can McAllen 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

MissionPharrAltonSan JuanLa HomaHidalgo

First-time buyer loan FAQs for McAllen

On the $173,800 median: 3% conventional ≈ $5,214, 3.5% FHA ≈ $6,083, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in Hidalgo County become jumbo loans.

At the $173,800 median value (below the Texas median of $260,400), the estimated payment of $1,680/month at 7.18% needs about $72,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $56,000 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.