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Downtown Fresno is getting $100 million in state infrastructure funding to replace aging systems. That kind of investment signals stability for buyers looking to put roots down.
Fresno County's median household income of $71,434 stretches furthest in the county's rural and suburban areas where USDA loans work. Zero down means no savings requirement — you qualify on income and credit alone.
6.125%
Interest Rate
$1,215
Monthly P&I
640
Min FICO
$0
Down Payment
0.35%
Annual Fee
USDA Loans in Fresno
USDA loans require a 640 FICO minimum, though 680+ gets better pricing. You need zero down — that's the whole point. Income limits cap out at 115% of area median, which is roughly $82,150 for a household of four in Fresno County.
The county's median household income of $71,434 sits comfortably under that ceiling. If you earn between $50K and $82K annually and buy in an eligible rural area, USDA financing is worth a serious look. Debt-to-income ratio typically maxes at 43%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Fresno.
Downtown Fresno is getting $100 million in state infrastructure funding to replace aging systems. That kind of investment signals stability for buyers looking to put roots down.
Fresno County's median household income of $71,434 stretches furthest in the county's rural and suburban areas where USDA loans work. Zero down means no savings requirement — you qualify on income and credit alone.
USDA loans require a 640 FICO minimum, though 680+ gets better pricing. You need zero down — that's the whole point. Income limits cap out at 115% of area median, which is roughly $82,150 for a household of four in Fresno County.
USDA loans are portfolio products — lenders hold them or sell to USDA-approved investors. That means fewer lenders offer them than conventional or FHA. Brokers typically have better access than retail banks because they can shop multiple wholesale partners.
Underwriting runs tighter than conventional but faster than VA. Most USDA closings happen in 35-45 days. The upfront fee is 1% and the annual servicing fee is 0.35% — both rolled into the loan, no out-of-pocket cost.
USDA makes sense in Fresno when you're buying outside city limits in an eligible area and your income sits between $50K and $82K. Below that range, FHA is cheaper. Above it, conventional pencils better because you can put 5-10% down and skip the annual fee.
The real win is zero down at a reasonable rate. At 6.125%, you're not paying a penalty for putting nothing down — that's structural USDA strength. For a first-time buyer in rural Fresno County with solid credit, this is the clearest path to ownership.
FHA runs a lower rate but requires mortgage insurance for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down. USDA has an annual fee instead — 0.35% per year. Over 30 years, the math depends on your down payment; USDA wins at zero down.
Conventional requires 5% minimum and PMI above 80% LTV. At $200K with zero down, conventional isn't an option. USDA is the only program that lets you buy without savings in a rural Fresno County area.
Horn Barbecue just opened at Granite Park near Cedar and Dakota — that's new dining anchoring the Fresno market. When restaurants of that caliber move in, property values follow. USDA eligible areas in the county benefit from that spillover growth.
The Rogue Performance Festival runs through early March in the Tower District with 45 performing groups. That cultural activity matters for long-term neighborhood stability.
No — USDA loans require zero down payment. You qualify on income and credit alone. The trade-off is an annual fee of 0.35% of the loan balance, rolled into your payment.
At 6.125% (as of April 8, 2026), principal and interest run $1,215 per month on a $200,000 loan. Add property taxes, insurance, and the 0.35% annual USDA fee for your total housing payment.
USDA caps income at 115% of area median, roughly $82,150 for a family of four. There's no hard floor, but lenders typically want 640+ FICO and debt-to-income under 43%.
USDA loans are for USDA-eligible rural and suburban areas only. You can't use them in Fresno city proper. Check the USDA eligibility map for your specific address — most of Fresno County qualifies.
FHA runs a lower rate but charges mortgage insurance for life (if under 10% down). USDA has an annual fee instead. At zero down, USDA's annual fee is typically cheaper than FHA's lifetime insurance over 30 years.