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San Rafael sits in Marin County — one of the most expensive counties in California. USDA loans are designed for rural and suburban areas, and most of San Rafael does not qualify.
USDA eligibility maps are based on census data and population density. Dense, high-cost cities like San Rafael rarely clear that bar.
USDA Loans in San Rafael
USDA loans require zero down payment. Borrowers need a 640 credit score for automated approval. Income must stay under area limits set by the USDA.
Marin County income limits are unusually low relative to actual local wages. Most San Rafael households earn too much to qualify.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Rafael.
San Rafael sits in Marin County — one of the most expensive counties in California. USDA loans are designed for rural and suburban areas, and most of San Rafael does not qualify.
USDA eligibility maps are based on census data and population density. Dense, high-cost cities like San Rafael rarely clear that bar.
USDA loans require zero down payment. Borrowers need a 640 credit score for automated approval. Income must stay under area limits set by the USDA.
Few lenders actively push USDA loans in Marin. The eligibility restrictions make it a rare fit. Most local banks don't specialize in this program at all.
As a broker with access to 200+ wholesale lenders, we can confirm USDA availability quickly. But we'll also tell you straight when another program makes more sense.
Borrowers come to us excited about zero-down USDA loans. We have to break the news fast — San Rafael almost never qualifies on property location alone.
The smarter play for low-down-payment buyers here is FHA at 3.5% down, or CalHFA programs that offer down payment assistance. Those actually close in Marin.
FHA loans accept properties anywhere in Marin with no rural requirement. Minimum 3.5% down and a 580 credit score. That's a far more realistic path in San Rafael.
VA loans offer true zero-down with no income ceiling — ideal if you've served. Conventional loans with 3% down are also worth running if your credit is above 700.
As of April 2026, Marin County remains one of the priciest markets in the state. USDA loan limits don't stretch to cover typical San Rafael home prices.
Even if a fringe property qualified geographically, the income ceiling would likely disqualify most working households in this area. Both boxes rarely check at once.
Most of San Rafael does not meet USDA's rural eligibility rules. Check the USDA map before counting on this program.
USDA sets income limits by county and household size. Marin's limits are often too low for typical local incomes.
VA loans offer zero down with no rural requirement. That's the strongest zero-down option available in Marin.
USDA requires a 640 score for automated underwriting approval. Below that, manual underwriting applies and approval gets harder.
FHA, VA, and CalHFA programs are all viable here. We'll match you to the one that fits your income, credit, and down payment.