What are the USDA requirements?
| Requirement | USDA |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score | No USDA minimum; 640+ for GUS automated approval |
| Minimum down payment | $0 |
| Debt-to-income | 29% housing / 41% total guideline |
| Mortgage insurance | 1% upfront guarantee fee + 0.35% annual fee |
| Income limit | Household income ≤ 115% of area median income |
| Property location | Must be in a USDA-eligible area |
What are the 2026 loan limits in South Carolina's largest counties?
| County | Conforming (1 unit) | FHA (1 unit) | Jumbo above (20% down) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Richland County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Charleston County | $832,750 | $690,000 | $1,040,000 |
| Horry County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Spartanburg County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Lexington County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| York County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Berkeley County | $832,750 | $690,000 | $1,040,000 |
| Anderson County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Beaufort County | $832,750 | $638,250 | $1,040,000 |
| Aiken County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Dorchester County | $832,750 | $690,000 | $1,040,000 |
| Florence County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Pickens County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
| Sumter County | $832,750 | $541,287 | $1,040,000 |
See all 46 South Carolina counties →
Can I use South Carolina down payment assistance with a USDA loan?
- SC Housing Homebuyer Program Down Payment Assistance — $10,000, forgiven after 15 years (Forgivable loan)
How does USDA mortgage insurance work?
USDA charges an upfront guarantee fee of 1% of the loan (can be financed) and an annual fee of 0.35% of the outstanding balance, paid monthly for the life of the loan.
Frequently asked questions
$832,750 for one unit in 2026.
No — credit, down payment and DTI rules are national. What varies by location is the county loan limit and USDA income limits/eligible areas, plus state down payment assistance.
Yes — we've verified 1 South Carolina program listed below; most pair with FHA, VA, USDA or conventional first mortgages from the state agency.
Sources
- USDA Rural Development — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
See if you qualify for a USDA loan in South Carolina
Answer a few quick questions and get matched with purchase mortgage lenders in your area. Free, and it won't affect your credit score.
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.