USDA Rural Development 2026 · $0 Down Payment · No PMI

USDA Loans in California: $0 Down Payment Home Loans

Live in a rural area near the Antelope Valley? You may qualify for a 100% financed home loan with no down payment and no PMI. Rosamond, Littlerock, Acton, Agua Dulce, and Lake Los Angeles are all USDA-eligible.

Check Your USDA Eligibility - FreeCall (661) 537-5099

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What Is a USDA Loan?

A government-backed mortgage designed to help families buy homes in rural and suburban areas with zero down payment.

$0
Zero Down Payment
100% financing. No down payment required -- one of only two loan types in the country that offers this.
0%
No PMI
Unlike FHA and conventional loans, USDA has no private mortgage insurance. Just a small 0.35% annual guarantee fee.
%
Competitive Rates
USDA rates are typically 0.25-0.50% lower than conventional loans because the government guarantees the mortgage.
640
Flexible Credit
Minimum 640 credit score for most lenders. More forgiving than conventional loans which typically require 680+.

USDA-Eligible Areas Near the Antelope Valley

Palmdale and Lancaster are NOT USDA-eligible, but these nearby communities are. Many are just 10-20 minutes away.

Rosamond

ZIP 93560
$380K

Quiet community 15 minutes north of Lancaster. Strong USDA eligibility with affordable pricing.

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Littlerock

ZIP 93543
$450K

Rural character with easy access to Palmdale. Most properties qualify for USDA financing.

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Acton

ZIP 93510
$600K

Horse country and larger lots. Higher price point but fully USDA-eligible.

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Agua Dulce

ZIP 91390
$700K

Canyon living with acreage. Premium rural area that qualifies for zero-down USDA loans.

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Lake Los Angeles

ZIP 93535
$350K

Most affordable USDA-eligible area near the Antelope Valley. Ideal for first-time buyers.

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Mojave

ZIP 93501
$280K

Gateway to the high desert. Lowest entry point for USDA buyers in the region.

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California City

ZIP 93505
$300K

Growing desert community with new construction. Fully USDA-eligible with room to grow.

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Important: USDA eligibility is determined by exact address, not just city or ZIP code. Some properties within an eligible city may fall outside the USDA boundary. Elizabeth verifies every address on the official USDA eligibility map before you make an offer.

USDA Loan Requirements in California

Eligibility Requirements

  • Property must be in a USDA-designated rural area
  • Household income cannot exceed 115% of area median income
  • Primary residence only -- no investment properties
  • Credit score of 640 or higher (some lenders accept 620)
  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualified alien
  • Valid Social Security Number required
  • Stable employment and ability to repay the mortgage
  • Debt-to-income ratio typically below 41%

Income Limits (Los Angeles County 2025-2026)

1-4 person household~$110,650
5-8 person household~$146,050

Income limits include ALL household members' income -- not just the borrower. This includes non-borrowing adults living in the home. Limits are adjusted for household size and updated annually by USDA. Elizabeth verifies the current limits for your county and household configuration.

USDA vs. FHA vs. VA vs. Conventional

See how USDA stacks up against other loan programs available to California buyers.

Loan TypeDown Payment
USDABest Value$0
FHA3.5%
VA$0
Conventional3-20%

USDA Loan FAQ -- California Buyers

What credit score do I need for a USDA loan in California?+
Most USDA-approved lenders require a minimum credit score of 640. Some lenders may go as low as 620 with compensating factors such as low debt-to-income ratio or significant savings. If your score is below 640, Elizabeth can review your credit report and map out a 60-90 day improvement plan to get you qualified.
Can I buy a home in Palmdale or Lancaster with a USDA loan?+
No. Palmdale and Lancaster are classified as urban areas by the USDA and are NOT eligible for USDA financing. However, several nearby communities ARE eligible: Rosamond, Littlerock, Acton, Agua Dulce, Lake Los Angeles, and Mojave. Many of these areas are just 10-20 minutes from Palmdale and Lancaster. Elizabeth knows exactly which streets and subdivisions fall inside the USDA boundary.
What are the income limits for USDA loans in Los Angeles County?+
For 2025-2026, the USDA income limit for a 1-4 person household in Los Angeles County is approximately $110,650, and for a 5-8 person household it is approximately $146,050. These limits are set at 115% of the area median income and are updated annually. Your total household income is counted -- not just the borrower's income. Elizabeth will verify the current limits for your specific household size.
Is there really $0 down payment with a USDA loan?+
Yes. USDA loans are one of only two loan programs (alongside VA) that offer true 100% financing with zero down payment. There is no down payment requirement at all. You will still have closing costs (typically 2-5% of the purchase price), but these can often be covered by seller concessions, lender credits, or gift funds. Many USDA buyers close with less than $2,000 out of pocket.
Can I use a USDA loan with an ITIN number?+
No. USDA loans require a valid Social Security Number and legal U.S. residency (citizen or permanent resident). ITIN holders are not eligible for USDA financing. However, if you have an ITIN, Elizabeth can connect you with ITIN-specific loan programs that require 15-20% down payment, or explore CalHFA programs that may work for your situation.
How long does USDA loan approval take?+
USDA loans typically take 45-60 days from application to closing -- slightly longer than FHA or conventional loans. This is because USDA loans require two levels of approval: first from the lender, then from the USDA itself. The USDA review adds approximately 1-2 weeks. To speed things up, have all documentation ready upfront: pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and employment verification.
Does a USDA loan have mortgage insurance?+
USDA loans do not have traditional PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). Instead, they have a guarantee fee: a 1% upfront fee (which can be rolled into the loan) and a 0.35% annual fee. This is significantly cheaper than FHA mortgage insurance (1.75% upfront + 0.55% annual) and much cheaper than conventional PMI. On a $350,000 loan, the USDA annual fee is about $102/month vs. $160/month for FHA.
Can I buy a manufactured or mobile home with a USDA loan?+
Yes, but with conditions. The manufactured home must be permanently affixed to a permanent foundation, be at least 400 square feet, and meet HUD standards. It must be classified as real property (not personal property). New manufactured homes on permanent foundations in USDA-eligible areas like Rosamond and Lake Los Angeles can qualify. Elizabeth can help you determine if a specific property meets USDA requirements.
Free Eligibility Check · No Obligation

Check Your USDA Eligibility -- Free Consultation

Not sure if your area or income qualifies? Elizabeth will verify your specific address on the USDA eligibility map, check your income against current limits, and walk you through the entire process. If USDA does not work for your situation, she will identify which other programs do. The consultation is completely free.

WhatsApp Elizabeth -- Check USDA EligibilityCall (661) 537-5099

Also available in Spanish: Prestamos USDA California