Median household income: $58,341; value-to-income ratio 2.80. Storm Lake ranks 28 by home value and 36 by population among 42 places in our IA dataset.
What does a VA loan cost on a typical Storm Lake home?
| Item | Storm Lake |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Census ACS) | $163,600 |
| Iowa median home value | $195,900 |
| Down payment (0%) | $0 |
| Loan incl. 2.15% funding fee | $167,117 |
| Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI) | $1,438 |
| Income needed (28% / 36%) | $62,000 / $48,000 |
| Buena Vista County 2026 county limit for partial VA entitlement | $832,750 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
Payment includes Iowa's 1.43% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,342/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average); VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance.
What is the 2026 VA loan limit in Storm Lake?
VA loans have no loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement. If part of your entitlement is tied up in another VA loan, VA uses Buena Vista County's 2026 conforming limit of $832,750 to calculate your zero-down maximum. The county's FHA limit is $541,287 for comparison.
The Storm Lake median home value of $163,600 is 16% below the Iowa median, and within what the county limit supports.
Which down payment assistance programs can Storm Lake buyers use?
- 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
VA loans in nearby cities
VA loan FAQs for Storm Lake
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- VA — Funding fee and closing costs
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- 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.