With about 136,859 residents, Cedar Rapids is a sizable Iowa city, and its median home value of $177,100 is close to the Iowa median of $195,900. Homes here cost about 2.6× the median household income — relatively affordable by national standards. Lower prices mean FHA and USDA-style budgets go further here.
How much does it cost to buy a typical home in Cedar Rapids?
| Scenario | Down payment | Est. monthly payment | Income needed (28% / 36%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA, 3.5% down | $6,199 | $1,579 | $68,000 / $53,000 |
| Conventional, 20% down | $35,420 | $1,282 | $55,000 / $43,000 |
Estimates use the Census median home value, a 30-year rate (see below), Iowa's 1.43% effective property tax rate, $1,342/yr insurance (NAIC state average) and FHA mortgage insurance.
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
What are the 2026 loan limits for Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is in Linn County, where the single-family FHA limit is $541,287 (max price ≈ $560,000 with 3.5% down) and the conforming limit is $832,750. Loans above that are jumbo loans.
Is there down payment assistance in Cedar Rapids?
- Iowa Finance Authority 2nd Loan Program — Up to 5% of the home's sale price or appraised value (whichever is lower), with no maximum; deferred; state-level. Iowa Finance Authority · Verified October 23, 2026
- FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant — $2,500 grant; grant; state-level. Iowa Finance Authority · Verified October 23, 2026
What mortgage options do Cedar Rapids buyers have?
- Conventional Loan — Not government-backed; as little as 3% down for first-time buyers, PMI removable at 20% equity.
- FHA Loan — Government-insured; 3.5% down with a 580 credit score and flexible debt-to-income rules.
- VA Loan — For eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses: 0% down and no monthly mortgage insurance.
- USDA Loan — 0% down for moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas.
- Jumbo Loan — For loan amounts above the conforming limit; usually 10–20% down and 700+ credit.
- First-Time Home Buyer Loans — Low-down-payment loans plus state assistance programs designed for first-time buyers.
- Self-Employed Mortgage — Options for business owners and 1099 earners, including tax-return and bank-statement loans.
- DSCR Purchase Loan — Investment-property loans qualified on the rental income of the property, not personal income.
- New Construction Home Loans — Financing for a newly built home from a builder, or for building your own with a construction-to-permanent loan.
Home loan options in Cedar Rapids
- FHA loans in Cedar Rapids, IA
- First-time home buyer programs in Cedar Rapids, IA
- VA loans in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Conventional loans in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Home affordability in Cedar Rapids, IA
- New construction home loans in Cedar Rapids, IA
How much will I pay in property taxes in Cedar Rapids?
Homeowners in Iowa pay a median of $2,795 a year in property taxes — an effective rate of about 1.43% of the median home value, above the national average (Census ACS). Actual rates vary by county and municipality. Ask your agent for the specific property's tax history.
Nearby cities (Linn County first)
Cedar Rapids home buying FAQs
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- Iowa Finance Authority — Iowa Finance Authority 2nd Loan Program
- Iowa Finance Authority — FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
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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.