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USDA loans in North Carolina

Quick answer

USDA loans in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%
Minimum credit scoreTypically 640 for automated approval
Typical NC home value$259,400
3.5% down on typical home$9,079
20% down on typical home$51,880
Avg. effective property tax0.70%/yr (~$151/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$80,000

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

Which North Carolina programs pair with USDA loans?

  • NC Home Advantage Mortgage: A first mortgage with down payment assistance for first-time and repeat buyers.
  • NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment: Deferred, forgivable assistance for first-time buyers and military veterans.

Details and current limits: North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA).

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 North Carolina cities

CharlotteRaleighGreensboroDurhamWinston-SalemFayettevilleCaryWilmingtonHigh PointConcordAshevilleGreenvilleGastoniaJacksonvilleApexHuntersvilleChapel HillBurlingtonKannapolisRocky MountMooresvilleWake ForestWilsonHickoryHolly SpringsIndian TrailFuquay-VarinaSalisburyMonroeGoldsboroGarnerCorneliusNew BernSanfordMorrisvilleMatthewsStatesvilleClaytonKernersvilleAsheboroThomasvilleMint HillLelandShelbyClemmonsWaxhawCarrboroLexingtonKinstonBooneKnightdaleLumbertonHarrisburgMebaneElizabeth CityLenoirPinehurstMount HollyHope MillsMorgantonGrahamMurraysvilleAlbemarleStallingsHavelockSouthern PinesEdenHendersonvilleBelmontLaurinburgRoanoke RapidsHendersonDavidsonReidsvillePiney GreenAnderson CreekLewisvilleWeddingtonNewtonLake Norman of IredellMyrtle GroveArchdaleSmithfieldSpring LakeWendellLincolntonKings MountainElonSpout SpringsSummerfieldPinevilleTarboroMount AiryWintervilleWaynesvilleRolesville

Frequently asked questions

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

Often yes. North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) 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.