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USDA loans in Iowa

Quick answer

USDA loans in Iowa offer 0% down for moderate-income buyers purchasing in eligible rural and suburban areas, with a 1% upfront and 0.35% annual fee.

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

USDA loan snapshot for Iowa

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%
Minimum credit scoreTypically 640 for automated approval
Typical IA home value$195,900
3.5% down on typical home$6,857
20% down on typical home$39,180
Avg. effective property tax1.43%/yr (~$233/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$65,000

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

Which Iowa programs pair with USDA loans?

  • FirstHome: A first mortgage for first-time buyers with income and price limits.
  • FirstHome Plus / Homes for Iowans: Grants or deferred loans toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers.

Details and current limits: Iowa Finance Authority (IFA).

How do I know if a home is USDA eligible?

Use the USDA eligibility map on the Rural Development website. Areas outside major cities — including many fast-growing suburbs and small towns — often qualify. Eligibility is reviewed periodically, so check the specific address.

USDA income limits

Income limits are based on the county and household size, and they count income from all adult household members, not just borrowers. Many areas allow roughly $110,000–$150,000+ for a household of 1–4 people.

USDA loans in Iowa cities

Des MoinesCedar RapidsDavenportSioux CityIowa CityAnkenyWest Des MoinesWaterlooAmesCouncil BluffsDubuqueUrbandaleMarionCedar FallsBettendorfMarshalltownMason CityWaukeeOttumwaFort DodgeClintonJohnstonBurlingtonMuscatineCoralvilleNorth LibertyAltoonaCliveIndianolaGrimesNewtonNorwalkBooneOskaloosaSpencerStorm LakePleasant HillPellaLe MarsWaverlyCarrollFort Madison

Frequently asked questions

Only in USDA-eligible areas. Many rural and suburban parts of Iowa qualify; check a specific address on the USDA eligibility map.

Often yes. Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

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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.