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Dan Green
Dan Green (NMLS 227607) is a licensed mortgage professional who has helped millions of people achieve their American Dream of homeownership. Dan has developed dozens of tools, written thousands of mortgage articles, and recorded hundreds of educational videos. Read more about Dan Green.
This website discusses mortgage programs and how to qualify. Your eligibility may vary based on lender guidelines and investor overlays. Check with your lender for specific details.
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This article was checked for accuracy as of September 19, 2024. Learn more about our commitments to accuracy and your mortgage education in our editorial guidelines.
Updated: September 19, 2024
The USDA Eligibility Map is a free tool that shows whether a specific U.S. household or USPS address may qualify for a USDA mortgage. The map is updated for the 2024 USDA mortgage zone map.
To use the Homebuyer.com USDA Eligibility Map, start typing the home address. The tool will auto-complete and verify your provided address against all valid USPS addresses.
If you are unsure of the exact address, provide as much detail as possible, including house number, street, city, and state—the map will suggest likely matches.
Once you select the address, the tool will locate the home and display it on the map.
After locating your property, the USDA Eligibility Map will show whether the home qualifies for a USDA mortgage.
The tool provides two results: eligible and ineligible.
Eligible homes are located in rural census tracts or divisions as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Homes in non-rural areas, known as urban homes, are not eligible for USDA loans.
Homes within USDA mortgage zones must also meet three other criteria to qualify.
The first criterion is property type. Homes must be zoned for single-family residence and be the buyer’s primary residence within 60 days of settlement.
Eligible home types include existing single-family homes, new constructions, modular homes, townhomes, and certain manufactured homes.
2-4 unit homes, investment properties, and commercial properties are ineligible.
The second criterion is property condition. USDA-eligible homes must be in good condition and meet the USDA’s safety, structural, and sanitary standards.
The third criterion is home size.
Although the USDA does not have a maximum square footage requirement or loan size limit, homes should be modest without excessive luxury features. Homes that are large or expensive for the area may not be eligible.
Additionally, home buyers must meet specific income and credit score requirements. For more details, refer to “What Is A USDA Loan?”
We receive questions about USDA eligibility via the Homebuyer.com YouTube. Below are some common ones.
The USDA Eligibility Map is updated when rural area boundaries change. There is no fixed schedule for updates, so check regularly for accurate information. The last major update was September 28, 2023, with minor updates earlier that summer.
Yes, certain manufactured homes qualify for a USDA mortgage. These homes must meet the USDA’s structural and safety standards, be permanently installed on a foundation, and connected to essential utilities.
No, USDA loans are only for primary residences. Investment properties, vacation homes, and short-term rentals do not qualify.
No, USDA mortgages are available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers who meet the USDA’s income and credit requirements.
USDA mortgages are strictly for homes in eligible areas. Homes outside these areas do not qualify. Use the USDA Eligibility Map to explore other homes that meet the location criteria.
Yes, USDA mortgages are open to buyers with varying credit scores. However, buyers must meet income requirements, and some lenders may require a minimum credit score for USDA loans.
The USDA regularly updates its eligibility maps as regions grow and develop. Sign up for Homebuyer.com’s email newsletter to receive updates and information on USDA loans and other resources for first-time homebuyers.
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The USDA Eligibility Map is a free tool that shows which U.S. homes may qualify for a USDA mortgage.
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