Are USDA loans available in California?

Yes. About 50% of ZIP codes in California have their center in a USDA-eligible area. Eligibility is still determined address-by-address, so use the map on this page to check a specific ZIP or neighborhood. Ineligible areas are typically denser cities and inner suburbs.

What is the USDA income limit in California?

In California, the 1–4 person household limit ranges from $122,800 to $282,450. The 5–8 person limit ranges from $162,100 to $372,850. Limits vary by county. Switch the map to Income Limits and enter a ZIP to see the exact cap.

Is a whole ZIP code eligible or ineligible?

Neither, officially. USDA scores the exact property — two houses across the street can differ, which does not help you scan neighborhoods. Official property eligibility is decided only through an approved application. This map overlays USDA's ineligible-area boundaries, then tests the geographic center of each ZIP. If that center falls inside an ineligible area, we mark the ZIP as likely not eligible; otherwise likely eligible. State percentages are the share of ZIP centers that pass. Maps are an area-level first look — confirm any house with USDA or a lender.

What else do I need besides location and income?

USDA also requires a primary residence, a single-family (1-unit) property, U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status, and typically a 640+ credit score for streamlined approval. A USDA-approved lender reviews all six criteria at no cost.

USDA Eligibility in California

The map below opens on California. Check any ZIP for property eligibility and household income limits. Both must pass for $0 down USDA financing.

View the California map

Couple reviewing USDA loan eligibility in California

Property eligibility

About 50% of California ZIPs likely eligible

Income limits (1–4 person)

$122,800–$282,450

$0 down payment

If you meet all six criteria

California Property Eligibility & Income Limits

The map starts on California. Enter a property ZIP or click an area to check eligibility. Toggle Property Eligibility and Income Limits. Both need to pass for the same address.

Eligibility is based on the home's location, not where you currently live. Full eligibility guide

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How USDA Eligibility Works in California

Location and income are the two checks that vary by place. The other four requirements are the same nationwide. A lender confirms all six at no cost.

Full eligibility guide with all six criteria →

Get Your Official USDA Eligibility Answer

Takes about 2 minutes · No credit check · No obligation

The map is a first read. A USDA-approved lender can confirm income eligibility, verify a specific California address, and issue a pre-approval letter if you qualify.

Homeowner and USDA-approved broker confirming eligibility

NMLS-licensed lenders
See options with no initial credit impact

How it works

1Enter your info — takes about 2 minutes
2Get matched with USDA-approved lenders
3Get your official eligibility answer from a lender

USDA Eligibility FAQ in California

Full USDA eligibility guide →Income limits by ZIP →National eligibility map →Get USDA pre-approval →How USDA loans work →

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