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Paramount sits in a gray zone for USDA eligibility. Most of the city falls outside designated rural areas, but specific census tracts near the borders may qualify.
USDA updated their eligibility maps in 2023. Properties that qualified two years ago might not qualify now. Always verify the exact address before making offers.
USDA Loans in Paramount
USDA requires household income under $103,500 for Los Angeles County. That includes everyone over 18 living at the property, not just borrowers on the loan.
You need 640 minimum credit score at most lenders. Zero down payment required. Debt-to-income can go up to 41% with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Paramount.
Paramount sits in a gray zone for USDA eligibility. Most of the city falls outside designated rural areas, but specific census tracts near the borders may qualify.
USDA updated their eligibility maps in 2023. Properties that qualified two years ago might not qualify now. Always verify the exact address before making offers.
USDA requires household income under $103,500 for Los Angeles County. That includes everyone over 18 living at the property, not just borrowers on the loan.
Not every lender underwrites USDA loans. Banks advertise them, then turn away borrowers with credit under 680. We work with lenders who actually close at 640.
USDA processing runs 45-60 days on average. The government guarantee adds underwriting steps that conventional loans skip. Plan your closing timeline accordingly.
FHA makes more sense for most Paramount buyers. You're already in a dense suburban area with median prices that don't favor USDA income limits.
The few Paramount properties that qualify tend to be on the east side near the city limits. You'll find better inventory and easier approvals with FHA at 3.5% down.
FHA costs 3.5% down but accepts credit scores to 580. You'll close in 30 days instead of 60. No property location restrictions in Paramount.
VA offers zero down for veterans without USDA's income caps or location limits. Conventional goes to 3% down for first-time buyers without rural requirements.
Paramount borders Bellflower and Downey, both fully ineligible for USDA. The eligible pockets sit near Lakewood Boulevard and South Street.
Check USDA eligibility before touring homes. Sellers won't wait 60 days for a USDA approval when they have FHA offers closing in 30.
Most of Paramount falls outside USDA eligible areas. Check the property address on the USDA eligibility map before shopping.
Household income cannot exceed $103,500 for Los Angeles County. This includes all adults over 18 living at the property, regardless of whether they're on the loan.
USDA loans average 45-60 days from application to closing. The government guarantee requires additional underwriting steps that conventional loans skip.
USDA allows 640 credit scores, but most lenders require 680 or higher. We work with lenders who approve USDA loans at the actual 640 minimum.
FHA makes more sense for most Paramount buyers. You'll close faster, have no location restrictions, and find more inventory that qualifies.