Loading
Loading
Apple Valley sits in USDA-eligible territory, opening zero-down financing to buyers who qualify by income. A $200,000 purchase at 5.625% runs $1,151 monthly for principal and interest alone. That's the math that moves buyers here—no down payment required.
San Bernardino County's median household income of $82,184 stretches across Apple Valley's market. USDA loans cap at 115% of area median income, which means most working families in the region qualify. The program is built for this exact buyer.
5.625%
Interest Rate
$1,151
Monthly P&I
640
Min FICO
$0
Down Payment
$94,500
Max Income
USDA Loans in Apple Valley
USDA loans require a 640 FICO minimum, though 740+ gets the best pricing. You put zero down—the program covers the full purchase price.
The county's median household income of $82,184 sits comfortably below the USDA ceiling. A household earning $90,000 qualifies easily. Debt-to-income ratio typically caps at 43%, meaning your total monthly debt can't exceed 43% of gross income.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Apple Valley.
Apple Valley sits in USDA-eligible territory, opening zero-down financing to buyers who qualify by income. A $200,000 purchase at 5.625% runs $1,151 monthly for principal and interest alone. That's the math that moves buyers here—no down payment required.
San Bernardino County's median household income of $82,184 stretches across Apple Valley's market. USDA loans cap at 115% of area median income, which means most working families in the region qualify. The program is built for this exact buyer.
USDA loans require a 640 FICO minimum, though 740+ gets the best pricing. You put zero down—the program covers the full purchase price.
USDA loans are available through brokers and retail lenders statewide, but not all lenders maintain USDA licenses. The program requires USDA approval of the property and the borrower, which adds 2-3 weeks to underwriting.
California brokers typically fund USDA loans through correspondent lenders who specialize in rural programs. Rates are competitive with FHA and VA in the sub-$250K range. Closing costs run 2-3% of the loan amount.
USDA makes sense in Apple Valley when you're under the income ceiling and can't save 20% down. The zero-down structure beats FHA's 3.5% down requirement and avoids the lifetime mortgage insurance FHA carries.
The program breaks down above $250,000 because income limits tighten and rates climb. Apple Valley's market sits mostly under that threshold, so USDA is the right tool here.
FHA loans also go zero-down in Apple Valley, but they require 3.5% down and carry lifetime mortgage insurance if you put less than 10% down. USDA has no insurance at all.
The tradeoff is income limits. FHA has no income cap; USDA caps at 115% of area median. If you earn $100,000 in San Bernardino County, USDA works. If you earn $150,000, FHA is your only zero-down option. For Apple Valley's typical buyer, USDA wins on cost.
Apple Valley's market is rural by USDA definition, which is why the program works here at all. The town sits in the high desert, 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles, with lower density than suburban San Bernardino.
Buyers moving to Apple Valley often come from higher-cost coastal areas seeking affordability. USDA financing removes the down-payment barrier that kept them renting.
Yes, you can put money down. USDA allows 0-20% down. Zero down is the program's main feature, but if you have savings, putting down 5-10% lowers your annual fee and improves your rate. The choice is yours.
At 5.625% interest (5.682% APR), principal and interest run $1,151 monthly on a $200,000 loan. Add property taxes, insurance, and the 0.35% annual USDA fee—roughly $1,400-1,500 total depending on the property. That's the real monthly cost.
No. USDA loans have no PMI or mortgage insurance. You pay a 1% upfront fee at closing and 0.35% annually, but that's not insurance—it's a guarantee fee rolled into your loan balance. It's cheaper than FHA's lifetime insurance.
You must earn less than 115% of San Bernardino County's area median income, which is roughly $94,500 for a family of four. The county's median household income is $82,184, so most working families qualify.
USDA loans typically close in 30-45 days. The USDA must approve both the property and the borrower, which adds 2-3 weeks to standard underwriting. Brokers often move faster than retail lenders because they shop multiple USDA-licensed lenders.