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in Union City, CA
Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income is $126,240. FHA and USDA both offer paths to homeownership with minimal down payment.
FHA works anywhere in Union City and requires 3.5% down with a 580 FICO score. USDA requires zero down but only for USDA-eligible rural properties, subject to income limits.
FHA at 5.875% interest offers the widest reach in Union City. You need just 3.5% down and a 580 credit score to qualify.
The upfront mortgage insurance premium is 1.75% of the loan amount. With FHA, mortgage insurance stays for the loan life if down payment is under 10%.
USDA loans offer zero down for eligible rural properties in Alameda County. You must meet USDA's published income cap for this county, scaled by household size.
No mortgage insurance applies to USDA loans. Instead, an upfront fee of 1% and annual fee of 0.35% apply to the loan.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh FHA Loans and USDA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Union City.
Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income is $126,240. FHA and USDA both offer paths to homeownership with minimal down payment.
FHA works anywhere in Union City and requires 3.5% down with a 580 FICO score. USDA requires zero down but only for USDA-eligible rural properties, subject to income limits.
FHA at 5.875% interest offers the widest reach in Union City. You need just 3.5% down and a 580 credit score to qualify.
FHA works on any Union City property; USDA requires USDA-eligible rural land. This is the biggest gating factor between the two programs.
FHA's 1.75% upfront MIP plus lifetime insurance above 90% LTV costs more over time than USDA's 1% upfront fee plus 0.35% annual fee. USDA wins on total cost if you stay 15+ years.
Choose FHA if you're buying in Union City proper and your credit exceeds 580. You have savings for 3.5% down and want a fixed-rate mortgage.
Choose USDA if your household income qualifies and you've found a USDA-eligible rural property. Zero down is a real advantage when savings are tight. The annual fee is lower than FHA's lifetime insurance cost over 15+ years.
No. USDA loans require properties in USDA-eligible rural areas. Most of Union City falls outside that boundary. Check the USDA property eligibility map.
$4,437 for principal and interest on a 740 FICO, 96.5% LTV scenario priced June 13, 2026. Add property taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance.
No. FHA accepts a 580 FICO score minimum. Lenders may have overlays, but 580 is the floor. USDA qualification is income-based.
USDA typically costs less if you stay 15+ years and qualify. FHA's lifetime mortgage insurance above 90% LTV adds up. USDA's 0.35% annual fee is smaller.
Yes. At 10% or more down, FHA mortgage insurance cancels after 11 years. At 20% down, you skip mortgage insurance entirely. USDA is zero down only.