USDA Mortgage Calculator

USDA loans are the quiet zero-down option for rural and many suburban areas — about 97% of US land is eligible. This calculator includes the guarantee fees so you can compare the true payment.

1 · Afford 2 · Payment 3 · Schedule 4 · Pay off early 5 · Closing costs 6 · PMI 7 · Refinance 8 · Rates guide

How USDA loans work

The USDA Rural Development program guarantees loans for moderate-income buyers in eligible areas — which include many suburbs and small towns, not just farmland. There is no down payment, but two fees apply: a 1% upfront guarantee fee (usually financed) and a 0.35% annual fee charged monthly for the life of the loan. On a $300,000 home that annual fee is about $88 a month — notably cheaper than FHA's MIP on the same loan.

Who qualifies?

Location — the property must sit in a USDA-eligible area (check the USDA eligibility map).
Income — household income generally capped at 115% of the area median.
Credit — no official minimum, but most lenders look for 640+ for streamlined approval.
Residency — primary residence only; no investment properties.

USDA vs FHA vs VA

All three are government-backed, but the fit differs: VA (for eligible veterans) has no monthly fee at all; USDA has the cheapest monthly fee but the annual fee lasts the loan's life and income/area limits apply; FHA is the most flexible on credit and location but pricier monthly. Run the FHA calculator with the same price to see the difference side by side, then check affordability on your income with the affordability calculator.

Your next steps

Step 3

See the amortization schedule

Watch your balance fall month by month and see how much interest each payment contains.

Step 4

Pay it off years early

Add a small extra payment and see your payoff date jump forward.

Compare

Thinking of refinancing?

Check whether a new rate actually saves you money after closing costs.

Related calculators

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Every payment, principal vs interest, to payoff day.

Mortgage Payoff Calculator

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Refinance Calculator

Break-even and lifetime savings, honestly totaled.

Frequently asked questions

Do USDA loans really require no down payment?

Yes — 100% financing is the program's signature feature for eligible buyers and properties. You still need cash for closing costs unless the seller contributes or the appraisal supports financing them.

How long does the USDA annual fee last?

For the life of the loan, unlike conventional PMI. Refinancing into a conventional loan at 20% equity is the way to end it early.

What areas are USDA eligible?

Rural areas and many suburbs of larger metros — roughly 97% of US land area and a large share of smaller communities. Eligibility is by property address on the USDA map; do not assume a town qualifies or does not without checking.

Is there a minimum credit score for USDA?

The USDA itself does not set one for guaranteed loans, but lenders do — 640 is the common threshold for automated approval, with manual underwriting sometimes possible below that.

Can I finance the USDA upfront fee?

Yes, the 1% guarantee fee is typically rolled into the loan amount, which is the default behavior in this calculator's results.

Sources & further reading

Official sources for program rules and consumer rights. Zorvex is not affiliated with these agencies; figures here are estimates for education.