With about 26,406 residents, Forest Grove is a smaller Oregon community, and its median home value of $464,300 is close to the Oregon median of $454,200. At about 5.7× the median household income, homes here stretch typical budgets, making down payment help and FHA or conventional 3%-down loans especially valuable. Higher prices make conventional loans with PMI and state assistance popular.
How much does it cost to buy a typical home in Forest Grove?
| Scenario | Down payment | Est. monthly payment | Income needed (28% / 36%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA, 3.5% down | $16,251 | $3,698 | $159,000 / $124,000 |
| Conventional, 20% down | $92,860 | $2,921 | $126,000 / $98,000 |
Estimates use the Census median home value, a 30-year rate (see below), Oregon's 0.83% effective property tax rate, $1,003/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 Forest Grove?
Forest Grove is in Washington County, where the single-family FHA limit is $701,500 (max price ≈ $726,000 with 3.5% down) and the conforming limit is $832,750. Loans above that are jumbo loans.
Is there down payment assistance in Forest Grove?
No applicable programs have been verified for this city yet. Check the state housing finance agency for current assistance.
What mortgage options do Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove
- FHA loans in Forest Grove, OR
- First-time home buyer programs in Forest Grove, OR
- VA loans in Forest Grove, OR
- Conventional loans in Forest Grove, OR
- Home affordability in Forest Grove, OR
- New construction home loans in Forest Grove, OR
How much will I pay in property taxes in Forest Grove?
Homeowners in Oregon pay a median of $3,767 a year in property taxes — an effective rate of about 0.83% of the median home value, close to the national average (Census ACS). Actual rates vary by county and municipality. Ask your agent for the specific property's tax history.
Nearby cities (Washington County first)
Forest Grove 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)
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.