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Ross sits in Marin County, where new trails at Hawk Hill and the upcoming County Fair signal steady community investment. A $200,000 USDA purchase at 6.125% runs $1,215 monthly for principal and interest alone.
USDA loans require zero down and no mortgage insurance—a rare advantage in California. The county's median household income of $142,785 qualifies most buyers here, though USDA income limits cap eligibility at 115% of area median.
6.125%
Interest Rate
$1,215
Monthly P&I
740
FICO Minimum
$0
Down Payment
$164,504
Income Limit
45–60 days
Typical Close
USDA Loans in Ross
USDA loans in Ross require a 740 FICO minimum, zero down payment, and annual income under $164,504 (115% of Marin's $142,785 median). That income ceiling eliminates many Marin buyers, but those who qualify get zero-down financing with no PMI.
The upfront fee is 1% of the loan amount, plus 0.35% annually. A $200,000 loan costs $2,000 upfront and $700 yearly. Property must be in a USDA-eligible rural area—Ross qualifies. Owner-occupancy is required; investment properties don't work.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Ross.
Ross sits in Marin County, where new trails at Hawk Hill and the upcoming County Fair signal steady community investment. A $200,000 USDA purchase at 6.125% runs $1,215 monthly for principal and interest alone.
USDA loans require zero down and no mortgage insurance—a rare advantage in California. The county's median household income of $142,785 qualifies most buyers here, though USDA income limits cap eligibility at 115% of area median.
USDA loans in Ross require a 740 FICO minimum, zero down payment, and annual income under $164,504 (115% of Marin's $142,785 median). That income ceiling eliminates many Marin buyers, but those who qualify get zero-down financing with no PMI.
USDA loans move slower than conventional or FHA because USDA guarantees the loan after closing. Lenders must follow strict USDA underwriting rules. Most California brokers and banks offer USDA, but approval timelines run 45-60 days, not 30.
Retail banks often have tighter overlays than brokers on USDA. A broker can shop multiple lenders for the best rate and terms. Expect appraisals to take longer—USDA appraisers must verify the property sits in an eligible rural area.
USDA makes sense in Ross only if your income falls under $164,504. Above that, you're ineligible no matter your credit or down payment. Below that ceiling, USDA beats conventional—zero down and no PMI saves tens of thousands over 30 years.
The annual 0.35% fee ($700 on a $200K loan) stings less than PMI would. At conventional 5% down, you'd pay $200 monthly in PMI. USDA's annual fee is $700—roughly $58 monthly. The math favors USDA for income-qualified buyers.
FHA also goes zero-down in Ross, but FHA mortgage insurance runs for life if you put less than 10% down. USDA has no PMI ever. On a $200,000 loan, FHA's lifetime insurance costs far more than USDA's annual fee.
Conventional requires 5% down minimum ($10,000) and PMI until 78% LTV. USDA requires zero down and zero PMI. If you qualify for USDA, the choice is clear—no down payment, no insurance, lower total cost.
Hawk Hill's new trails in the Marin Headlands just opened, winding around the decommissioned Nike Missile Site. That kind of public investment signals stable property values.
The 2026 Marin County Fair runs July 1-5 with concerts, exhibits, and rides. Community events like this anchor neighborhood identity. Homebuyers who plan to stay long-term in Ross value these touchstones—and USDA's zero-down structure supports that stability.
Yes. USDA's income limit is $164,504 (115% of Marin's median). At $160,000, you qualify. Income is the primary gate—if you're under the limit and have 740+ FICO, you're eligible.
Principal and interest run $1,215 monthly at 6.125% (APR 6.182%). Add property taxes, insurance, and the 0.35% annual USDA fee ($58/month). Total housing cost runs roughly $1,500–$1,700 depending on taxes and insurance.
No. USDA loans carry zero mortgage insurance, ever. You pay a 1% upfront fee ($2,000 on $200K) and 0.35% annually ($700/year). No PMI, no MIP, no ongoing insurance premium.
Expect 45–60 days. USDA loans move slower than conventional because USDA guarantees the loan after closing. Appraisals also take longer—the appraiser must verify the property is in a USDA-eligible rural area.
You're ineligible for USDA. The income cap is firm at $164,504. Above that, conventional or FHA loans are your options. Conventional at 5% down ($10,000) plus PMI is the typical alternative.