2025 USDA eligibility map: What it is and how to use it

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans open doors to homeownership in rural and suburban communities across America. These government-backed loans support buyers with low to moderate incomes who want to purchase homes in eligible areas, often with no down payment required and competitive interest rates.

If you’re not sure that an area you’re interested in qualifies for a USDA loan, you can use the USDA eligibility map to find out. It’s a handy tool that’ll help you focus your search on homes that align with your financing options.

Here’s everything you need to know about using the USDA eligibility map. While Rocket Mortgage® doesn't offer USDA loans, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to explore every path to homeownership that might work for your situation.

Current USDA eligibility map

The interactive map below shows real-time USDA loan eligibility across the U.S. Simply enter an address or zoom in on your area of interest to see whether a property qualifies for USDA financing.

What is the USDA eligibility map?

The USDA eligibility map is a digital tool that shows you which areas across the country qualify for USDA home loans. The map uses population density as its main factor. Areas with fewer residents are more likely to be eligible, and densely populated cities usually don't qualify.

Green areas indicate USDA-eligible zones where you can use these loans to purchase a home. Areas shaded in other colors don't currently qualify for USDA financing.

The USDA updates these maps annually, so boundaries can shift as communities grow or change. Make sure to check this map early in your home search so that you don’t fall in love with a property that doesn't qualify for USDA financing.

USDA loan programs

USDA loans were created to strengthen rural areas by giving low- to moderate-income individuals and families access to affordable housing options they might not otherwise qualify for.

There are three main housing programs:

• Single-family housing direct home loans: The USDA acts as your lender, offering very low interest rates to those who qualify based on income limits.
• Single-family housing guaranteed loans: Private lenders provide the loan, but the USDA backs it, making it easier for you to get approved with favorable terms.
• Section 504 single-family housing repair loans and grants: Financial assistance to help existing homeowners repair or improve their rural homes.

Each program has its income limits and requirements, but they all help people build stable lives in rural communities.

How to use USDA loan eligibility maps in your area

You can start by entering the address of a specific property you're considering, or type in a general location like a city or ZIP code to explore the broader area. The map will show you USDA-eligible properties.

You can also zoom in and out to get a better sense of eligible neighborhoods near your preferred location.

What does property eligibility mean?

When a property is eligible, it means that you can use USDA financing to purchase it. Eligible properties must be located in designated rural areas and meet the USDA's specific requirements for things like size, condition, and intended use.

The property also needs to serve as your primary residence. You can't use USDA loans for vacation homes or investment properties. Their goal is affordable housing.

Depending on the program, you can use USDA loan funds to buy an existing home, build a new one, or renovate a qualifying property.

Key USDA direct loan features

USDA direct loans come with a few different features that make homeownership more accessible for qualifying buyers:

• No down payment requirement: Most USDA direct loans don't require any down payment up front, unless you have substantial assets.
• Fixed interest rates: You'll get a predictable monthly payment with fixed interest rates ranging from 1% to 6.25%. The lowest rates are reserved for borrowers who qualify for payment assistance based on their income level.
• Extended loan terms: USDA direct loans offer 33-year terms for most borrowers, with 38-year terms available for very low-income applicants. Home improvement loans through the USDA have 20-year terms.

At closing, you'll pay a guarantee fee of up to 1% of your total loan amount. This fee helps fund the USDA loan program and can often be rolled into your mortgage so you don't pay it out of pocket.

However, keep in mind that if you receive payment assistance and later decide to move or sell your home, you'll need to repay that assistance to the USDA.

You may also want to learn the difference between USDA guaranteed vs. direct loans to see which option might work better for your situation.

Property eligibility requirements for USDA loans

Your property must meet the USDA's standards to qualify for the direct rural housing loan program. The USDA acts as your lender, and you can use the funds to buy an existing home, build a new one, or renovate a property in an eligible area.

In a rural area

Properties must be located in approved rural areas, which the USDA typically defines as regions with fewer than 35,000 residents. However, don't let the word "rural" fool you. Eligible areas often include small towns and suburbs near larger metropolitan cities.

Area boundaries can be complex and sometimes surprising. Your local USDA Rural Development office can provide the most accurate eligibility guidelines for your specific location.

A primary residence

USDA loans are designed for your main home. You can't use these loans for vacation properties or investment homes.

The program accepts various property types as a primary residence, including:

• New construction homes
• Condos
• Townhomes
• Modular and manufactured homes
• Foreclosed homes

However, regardless of the property type, it must be your primary residence to qualify for a USDA loan.

A modest size

USDA loans are meant for modest-sized homes, generally under 2,000 square feet. This requirement exists because these rural housing loans are for buyers looking for reasonably sized family homes, not luxury properties.

However, there's no limit on the size of the lot your home sits on. You could have a small home on several acres and still qualify for USDA financing.

Structurally sound and fully functional

Your property must meet basic safety standards to qualify for a USDA loan. This includes having a solid foundation, proper roofing, and fully operational heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. These requirements protect both you and the USDA.

Have no in-ground swimming pool

USDA loans can't be used to purchase homes with in-ground swimming pools or similar restricted amenities. The program focuses on essential housing needs, and pools are luxury features.

Pass USDA lender appraisal guidelines

Every property must pass a USDA appraisal before your loan can be approved. This appraisal helps make sure that the home meets all program requirements.

The appraiser will:

• Verify the home is up to code
• Establish the home's square footage
• Establish the number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Confirm there are no income-generating structures or prohibited amenities

Typically, you, as the buyer, will pay for the USDA appraisal, though this can vary depending on your lender's policies.

USDA borrower credit and income requirements

You'll need to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan and meet the program's income limits. Your household income can't exceed 115% of your area's median income, which varies by location and family size.

USDA loans don't have a strict minimum credit score requirement, but having a score of 640 or higher will improve your chances of getting approved and make the underwriting process smoother. That said, if your credit needs work, don’t let that stop you from exploring your options.

Check your USDA income eligibility online through the official USDA website to see if you qualify based on your location and household size.

The bottom line: Check if you qualify for a USDA loan

USDA loans can help you become a homeowner in rural and suburban communities, often with no down payment required.

Using the USDA eligibility map early in your search helps you focus on areas where this financing option is available, so make sure to take advantage of this valuable resource.

While Rocket Mortgage doesn't offer USDA loans, we're committed to helping you explore all your financing options. Check out our guide on USDA loan closing costs to understand what you can expect at closing.