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First-time home buyer programs in Tacoma, WA

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Tacoma, WA can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $1,063,750 Pierce County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible. On the $454,600 median home, 3% down is about $13,638 and the estimated payment is $3,591/month at 7.18%.

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

Median household income: $83,857; value-to-income ratio 5.42. Tacoma ranks 87 by home value and 3 by population among 131 places in our WA dataset.

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

ItemTacoma
Median home value (Census ACS)$454,600
Washington median home value$519,800
Down payment (3%)$13,638
Loan amount$440,962
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$3,591
Income needed (28% / 36%)$154,000 / $120,000
Pierce County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit)$1,063,750
Max purchase price at the limit$1,096,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Payment includes Washington's 0.84% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,232/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Tacoma?

Tacoma is in Pierce County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $1,063,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $1,096,000); FHA loans go up to $1,063,750.

The Tacoma median home value of $454,600 is 13% below the Washington median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can Tacoma 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

University PlaceFifeLakewoodFederal WayParklandEdgewood

First-time buyer loan FAQs for Tacoma

On the $454,600 median: 3% conventional ≈ $13,638, 3.5% FHA ≈ $15,911, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $1,063,750 in Pierce County become jumbo loans.

At the $454,600 median value (below the Washington median of $519,800), the estimated payment of $3,591/month at 7.18% needs about $154,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $120,000 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.